First Known Use: 1826
Dictionary
persistent
adjective per·sis·tent \pər-ˈsis-tənt, -ˈzis-\
: continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
: continuing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time : not stopping or going away
Full Definition of PERSISTENT
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: as a : retained beyond the usual period <a persistent leaf> b : continuing without change in function or structure <persistent gills> c : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing <mustard gas is persistent> d : degraded only slowly by the environment <persistent pesticides> e : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation <persistent viruses>
2
a : continuing or inclined to persist in a course(see persist) b : continuing to exist despite interference or treatment <a persistent cough> <has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years>
— per·sis·tent·ly adverb
See persistent defined for English-language learners
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Examples of PERSISTENT
- Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
- The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report “America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength.” Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
- The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
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Origin of PERSISTENT
Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere (see persist)
Related to PERSISTENT
- Synonyms
- dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, tenacious
Rhymes with PERSISTENT
PERSISTENT Defined for Kids
persistent
adjective per·sist·ent \pər-ˈsi-stənt\
Definition of PERSISTENT for Kids
: continuing to act or exist longer than usual <a persistent cold>
— per·sist·ent·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
persistent
adjective per·sis·tent \-tənt\
Medical Definition of PERSISTENT
1
: existing or continuing for a long time: as a : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing <mustard gas is persistent> b : degraded only slowly by the environment <persistent pesticides> c : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation <persistent viruses>
2
: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment <a persistent cough> <has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years>
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