persevere

verb

per·​se·​vere ˌpər-sə-ˈvir How to pronounce persevere (audio)
persevered; persevering

intransitive verb

: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement
perseveringly adverb

Did you know?

The early settlers of the New World persevered in the face of constant hardship and danger. The Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation lost half their number in the first winter to disease and hunger, but their perseverance paid off, and within five years their community was healthy and self-sufficient. Perhaps more remarkable are all the solitary inventors who have persevered in pursuing their visions for years, lacking any financial support and laughed at by the public.

Examples of persevere in a Sentence

She persevered in her studies and graduated near the top of her class. Even though he was tired, he persevered and finished the race.
Recent Examples on the Web Jenny has allowed her art to grow by embracing collaboration and new technologies, but her singularity as an artist has always persevered and her work continues to be radical. Kiki Smith, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024 The end of the American Revolution Despite the danger, Franklin persevered in his diplomatic work. Vanessa Armstrong, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024 Yet experience has taught me time and again that the most dedicated in our field have persevered by doubling down on our first principles—providing internet users with accurate, helpful information. Anat (anne Moss) El Hashahar, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Although skinny jeans are making a comeback on the runways, Sofía Vergara is persevering with one of the most relaxed and stylish denim trends. Luz García, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024 Growth mindset researcher Carol Dweck's research highlights the value of accepting obstacles, taking constructive feedback to heart and persevering through failures. Morgan Massie, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Amidst the constraints of World War I in England, Parr fiercely contested for her spot on the field, persevering even through the ban on women's soccer in 1921. Assile Toufaily, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 His second and most recent album, Strength, released in November 2023, is a reflection of his goal to persevere through hardship, not unlike many other roots reggae artists throughout Jamaican history. Annie Daly, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024 John Nolan has persevered through numerous personal and professional changes over the years. Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persevere.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perseveren, borrowed from Anglo-French parseverer, perseverer "to last, endure, persist in spite of opposition," borrowed from Latin persevērāre "to persist in a course of action or an attitude in spite of opposition, keep on, (of a condition) continue, last," from per- per- + -sevērāre, verbal derivative of sevērus "stern, austere, severe"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of persevere was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near persevere

Cite this Entry

“Persevere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persevere. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

persevere

verb
per·​se·​vere ˌpər-sə-ˈvi(ə)r How to pronounce persevere (audio)
persevered; persevering
: to keep at something in spite of difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

More from Merriam-Webster on persevere

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