ENGLISH
REFERENCE

persistent

adj.
US //pɝˈsɪstənt// UK //pəsˈɪstənt// per·sis·tent
  1. 1 refusing to give up (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    refusing to give up or stop, even when something is difficult or people tell you to quit.

    continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

    Example

    The persistent salesman kept calling even after I told him I wasn't interested.

    Example

    Despite numerous rejections from major publishers, the persistent author continued to refine her manuscript until she finally secured a contract.
  2. 2 continuing for a long time (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    lasting for a long time or happening again and again, especially in an annoying way.

    existing or recurring over a prolonged period; often used to describe unpleasant conditions or symptoms.

    Example

    She went to the doctor because of a persistent cough that wouldn't go away.

    Example

    The region has suffered from persistent unemployment for over a decade, leading to significant social unrest and migration.
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  1. 3 stored data (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    describing information that stays on a computer even after the power is turned off or a program is closed.

    relating to data or a state that survives the process that created it; not stored in volatile memory.

    Example

    The app uses a persistent database so your settings are saved for next time.

    Example

    Developers must decide which user preferences require persistent storage and which can be discarded once the session terminates.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'persistent storage' or 'persistent cookies'.
  2. 4 remaining attached (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Botany

    describing parts of a plant, like leaves or scales, that stay attached instead of falling off naturally.

    remaining attached to the plant after the expected time of falling off or after the surrounding parts have withered.

    Example

    Some oak trees are known for their persistent leaves that stay brown on the branches all winter.

    Example

    The persistent calyx remains on the fruit long after the petals have fallen, providing a key feature for species identification.
Origin

From Latin persistentem, present participle of persistō (“continue steadfastly”). By surface analysis, persist + -ent.

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