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Definition of "persist" []

  • To be obstinately repetitious, insistent, or tenacious. (verb-intransitive)
  • To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings, or setbacks. (verb-intransitive)
  • To continue in existence; last: hostilities that have persisted for years. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "persist" in a sentence
  • ""If Harris or Elliston persist, after the remonstrance which I desired you and Mr. Kinnaird to make on my behalf, and which I hope will be sufficient -- but _if_, I say, they _do persist_, then I pray you to _present in person_ the enclosed letter to the Lord"
  • "In some people, fairly large percentages of fetal hemoglobin persist into adulthood."
  • "But the idea that we can afford to let this downward spiral persist is a big fat “No Way José.”"