Persistency

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /pəˈsɪst(ə)nsi/

Definitions

1. The trait of unwavering dedication to a goal despite challenges faced
2. The characteristic of consistently pursuing an objective regardless of difficulties encountered
3. The quality of maintaining effort and focus unwaveringly despite difficulties encountered

Etymology: "Persistency" is "persist" with the suffix "-ency" attached. "Persist" comes from Latin "persistere," meaning "to stand firm" or "to continue steadfastly," built from "per-" (through, thoroughly) and "sistere" (to stand, to take a stand), so the root idea is planting oneself and refusing to move. The suffix "-ency" is the English form of Latin "-entia," used to turn an adjective or verb of action into a noun for a state or quality, so "persistency" names the condition of being persistent. Within English, "persistency" is the older-feeling, more formal sibling of "persistence," and the two have long run side by side with much the same meaning. Its usage today is largely restricted to certain fixed phrases and technical or commercial contexts, where it is sometimes preferred for a specific sense, such as the rate at which policyholders keep up their payments.

Synonyms: perseverance, determination, tenacity, steadfastness, endurance

Antonyms: irresolution, indecision, inconstancy, fickleness, abandonment