noun

persistence

per-SIS-tuhns/pərˈsɪstəns/

Continued existence or activity over time.

The craftsperson's persistence produces an improved joint after several imperfect attempts.

A craftsperson keeps practicing a difficult joint, with several imperfect practice pieces and one improved piece.

Etymology

perLatinthoroughly

+sistLatinstand; cause to stand still

+enceFrenchstate or quality

The roots evoke standing firm, while the ending makes that steadfastness a noun. Persistence applies the image to continued adherence to a pursuit, including effort maintained despite difficulty.

In context

The Globe Lens13:35

no region should remain inaccessible, [music] no matter how costly the effort. These highways are acts of persistence, extending civilization into places where survival itself is [music] a daily challenge.

Inside China's Engineering Marvel: Roads Built on Cliffs

More examples

The odor's persistence makes the room unpleasant even after cleaning.
Her persistence through repeated setbacks keeps the project moving.
Data persistence lets the app retain your settings between sessions.

Forms

persistence

persist verb — Continue to exist or remain active.

persistent adjective — Continuing over time without stopping.

Similar words

continuance: Emphasizes ongoing existence without suggesting resistance to change or interruption.
continuation: Emphasizes an activity carrying on, sometimes after a pause.