persistent
- 01 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.
Simple“The persistent salesman kept calling even after I told him I wasn't interested.”
In context“Despite numerous rejections from major publishers, the persistent author continued to refine her manuscript until she finally secured a contract.”
SynonymsAntonymsirresoluteyielding - 02 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.
Simple“She went to the doctor because of a persistent cough that wouldn't go away.”
In context“The region has suffered from persistent unemployment for over a decade, leading to significant social unrest and migration.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The app uses a persistent database so your settings are saved for next time.”
In context“Developers must decide which user preferences require persistent storage and which can be discarded once the session terminates.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'persistent storage' or 'persistent cookies'.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“Some oak trees are known for their persistent leaves that stay brown on the branches all winter.”
In context“The persistent calyx remains on the fruit long after the petals have fallen, providing a key feature for species identification.”
Usage persistent problem psychological · persistent social · persistent theoretical
From Latin persistentem, present participle of persistō (“continue steadfastly”). By surface analysis, persist + -ent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.