First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
perseverance
noun per·se·ver·ance \ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-ən(t)s\
: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult
Full Definition of PERSEVERANCE
: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering : steadfastness
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Examples of PERSEVERANCE
- The great international collectors and curators, once celebrated for their perceptiveness and perseverance, are now regularly deplored as traffickers in, or receivers of, stolen goods. —Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Review of Books, 9 Feb. 2006
- … a cavalcade of black and brown and female faces spinning stories of hardship and triumph through perseverance. —Michelle Cottle, New Republic, 14 Aug. 2000
- … he had no-nonsense coaches with hearts of gold who taught him discipline; he learned perseverance from a father who sent him back out to fight after he took a licking … —Jack McCallum, Sports Illustrated, 14 Dec. 1998
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Origin of PERSEVERANCE
(see persevere)
PERSEVERANCE Defined for Kids
perseverance
noun per·se·ver·ance \ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-əns\
Definition of PERSEVERANCE for Kids
: the act or power of continuing to do something in spite of difficulties
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