Persist

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /pɚˈsɪst/

Definitions

1. To carry on continuously or steadfastly with an action or state without giving up despite obstacles or time passing
2. To continue firmly or obstinately in a course of action or condition despite difficulties or opposition
3. To endure or remain in a specified state or condition over a prolonged period without interruption

Etymology: The verb "persist" is a straightforward compound: the Latin prefix "per-", meaning "through" or "thoroughly", joined to "sistere", meaning "to stand" or "to take a stand." To persist, then, is literally to stand thoroughly or to keep standing firm, which explains the sense of continuing stubbornly in the face of resistance. The Latin verb "persistere" passed into Middle French as "persister," and English borrowed the word from that French form. The same root gives English "assist," "resist," "insist," and "consist," each keeping the basic idea of standing in a particular position, whether against something, toward someone, or together with other parts.

Synonyms: continue, persevere, endure, last, remain

Antonyms: cease, quit, yield, abandon, stop