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Definition of persevere

persevere

/ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/
per · se · vere
Adverb:perseveringly
•
Adjective:perseverant
•
Past Simple:persevered
•
Past Participle:persevered
•
Present Participle:persevering
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persevere Lexical Profile

persevere Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To continue in a course of action steadfastly, especially in the face of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement, or with little prospect of immediate success.

Example

"Despite facing numerous technical setbacks during the experiment, the research team decided to persevere until they found a solution."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for persevere
Antonyms
View all antonyms for persevere

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'persevere' (to persist despite difficulty) with 'preserve' (to protect or keep something in its original state).

• Rhymes for persevere

• Nearby Words

persecutor
perseverance
perseverant
persevere
perseveringly
persia
persian

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French perseverer, from Latin perseverare ('to abide by strictly, continue steadfastly'), formed from per- ('very, thoroughly') and severus ('strict, serious').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Persevere. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/persevere
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