[pur-suh-veer] 
verb, -vered, -ver⋅ing.| 1. | to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly. |
| 2. | to persist in speech, interrogation, argument, etc.; insist. |
| 3. | to bolster, sustain, or uphold: unflagging faith that had persevered him. |
| per·se·vere (pûr'sə-vîr') intr.v. per·se·vered, per·se·ver·ing, per·se·veres To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement. [Middle English perseveren, from Old French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre, from persevērus, very serious : per-, per- + sevērus, severe; see segh- in Indo-European roots.] per'se·ver'ing·ly adv. |
səˈvɪər