Definition
To persist is to keep going when stopping would be easier — and, in its second sense, simply to refuse to disappear. People persist with experiments through years of failure; symptoms persist after treatment; rumors persist long after denial. Both senses share one idea: continuation against resistance. Persistence is not intensity. The drop of water that wears through stone is never stronger than the stone; it is only more willing to return.
Examples
- She persisted with the research despite three rejected funding applications.
- If the headaches persist for more than a week, see a doctor.
- Rumors of a merger persisted long after both companies had denied them.
Synonyms
persevere · continue · endure · press on · last
In TOEFL & IELTS
Both senses are tested: people persist *in/with* something (TOEFL biographies of scientists), and things persist — 'persistent chemicals/drought/inequality' in ecology and economics passages. For IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions about success, 'persistence matters more than talent' is a ready-made, high-band position. Adjective: persistent; noun: persistence.