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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Yet, in a testament to the power of community, the designers persevered, managing to source new items to replace those lost while coping with their own personal loss for the nonprofit‘s big event. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Its dominance persevered after the end of the gold standard in 1971, thanks to the size and strength of the American economy, the dollar’s ubiquity in global trade and central bank reserves around the world, and widespread trust in American democratic institutions and rule of law. Erika Page, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Apr. 2025 Walker had to change too, compromising to ensure that the partnership persevered. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2025 While some industry experts believe car sales will persevere, others warn of production disruptions, price increases and potential layoffs if tariffs persist. Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persevere

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

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Cite this Entry

“Persevere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persevere. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

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