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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Persist: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：keep going (persist)

persist 🔊

/pərˈsɪst/

vi.

To continue doing something even though it's difficult or other people are against it.

Persist definition illustrated by a determined athlete running up a steep hill at dawn.

keep going 🔊

➕

/kēp ˈgōiNG/

vi.

To continue steadfastly in a course of action or belief despite obstacles, opposition, or discouragement.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'persistere': 'per-' (through) + 'sistere' (to stand, take a stand).

💡 Mnemonic

A 'persistent' sister keeps standing firm (sistere) through (per) all challenges.

📖 Example

Even though maths is very hard for me, I will persist with my daily study until I improve. 🔊 Even though mathematics is very challenging for me, I will keep going with my daily study until I improve.

🔗 Collocations

persist in (doing) – to continue firmly in a particular behavior or activity

persist with something – to continue doing something with determination

persist until – to continue up to a specified point or event

🔄 Synonyms

persevere (vi.) – to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty

endure (v.) – to suffer something difficult or unpleasant patiently

carry on (v. phrase) – to continue an activity or task

🚫 Antonyms

give up (v. phrase) – to stop trying to do something

quit (v.) – to leave or stop doing something permanently

abandon (v.) – to give up completely on a course of action

🌱 Derivatives

persistent (adj.) – continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

persistence (n.) – the fact of continuing in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition

persistently (adv.) – in a persistent manner; continuously

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'persistere', meaning 'to continue steadfastly'. It entered English in the 16th century. In modern contexts, it's a key term in psychology and motivational speaking, describing the essential trait for achieving long-term goals.

Meaning 2：linger on (persist)

persist 🔊

/pərˈsɪst/

vi.

If something (like a problem or feeling) continues to exist for a long time and doesn't go away.

Persist meaning of lingering shown by gloomy weather lasting for many days on a calendar.

linger on 🔊

➕

/ˈliNGgər ôn/

vi.

To continue to exist or be present over a long period, often beyond the expected or desired duration.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

This headache has persisted for three days now, so I think I need to see a doctor. 🔊 This headache has lingered on for three days now, so I think I need to see a doctor.

🔗 Collocations

persist for (a period) – to continue for a specified length of time

persist despite – to continue existing even though something else might have removed it

persist as a problem – to remain an ongoing issue

🔄 Synonyms

continue (v.) – to keep existing or happening without stopping

last (v.) – to continue for a period of time

remain (v.) – to continue to exist, especially after other things have gone

🚫 Antonyms

disappear (v.) – to cease to be visible or to exist

vanish (v.) – to disappear suddenly and completely

cease (v.) – to come or bring to an end

🌱 Derivatives

persistent (adj.) – continuing to exist or occur over a prolonged period

persistence (n.) – the continued or prolonged existence of something

persistently (adv.) – in a manner that continues over time