Persevering

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Showing consistent effort in pursuing objectives despite hardships
2. Maintaining a resolute spirit and relentless drive in the face of challenges
3. Continuing determined effort without giving up regardless of obstacles

Etymology: The verb "persevere" carries a notion of strictness that its modern sense has largely lost. It comes from Latin "persevērāre," meaning to continue steadfastly, and that verb grew from "perseverus," which meant very strict or earnest. Its building blocks are "per," meaning through or by means of, and "severus," meaning strict or grave. The same "severus" gave English "severe," so the two words are close relatives, though they have drifted far apart in sense. The path into English ran through Old French "perseverer," which Middle English adopted as "perseveren." The idea underneath is of someone keeping to a demanding course all the way through, not simply carrying on. A person who was severe with themselves about a task would hold to it through every obstacle, and that is the picture the present form still carries.

Synonyms: persistent, determined, tenacious, resolute, steadfast

Antonyms: quitting, yielding, giving up, faltering