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Persist

 - 3 dictionary results

per⋅sist

[per-sist, -zist]
–verb (used without object)
1. to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, esp. in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.: to persist in working for world peace; to persist in unpopular political activities.
2. to last or endure tenaciously: The legend of King Arthur has persisted for nearly fifteen centuries.
3. to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.

Origin:
1530–40; < L persistere lit., to stand firm permanently, equiv. to per- per- + -sistere, akin to stāre to stand


per⋅sist⋅er, noun
per⋅sist⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
per⋅sis⋅tive, adjective
per⋅sis⋅tive⋅ly, adverb
per⋅sis⋅tive⋅ness, noun


1, 2. See continue. 3. insist.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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per·sist   (pər-sĭst', -zĭst')   
intr.v.   per·sist·ed, per·sist·ing, per·sists
  1. To be obstinately repetitious, insistent, or tenacious.

  2. To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings, or setbacks.

  3. To continue in existence; last: hostilities that have persisted for years.


[Latin persistere : per-, per- + sistere, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]
per·sis'ter n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

persist 
1538, from M.Fr. persister (14c.), from L. persistere "continue steadfastly," from per- "thoroughly" + sistere "come to stand, cause to stand still" (see assist). Persistence is attested from 1546; persistent is from 1826.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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