adjective

persistent

pur-SIS-tunt/pərˈsɪstənt/

Continuing or remaining despite interruption or difficulty.

The persistent gardener keeps tending the plant as it recovers.

A South Asian gardener continues patiently tending a recovering plant through repeated effort.

Etymology

perLatinthoroughly

+sistLatinstand; cause to stand still

+entLatinbeing or doing

The pieces describe standing firm or continuing steadfastly. The adjective initially meant “enduring,” then developed the more pointed sense of continuing despite opposition or warnings.

In context

Get.factual6:56

The nuthatch is not willing to share his patch with noisy sparrows. The sparrows are persistent and settle in to furnish their new homes.

The Secret Garden - Springtime's Micro-Ecosystems - Full Nature Documentary

More examples

A persistent cough keeps her awake at night.
His persistent questions finally lead to a clear answer.
The app keeps persistent data even after it closes.

Forms

persistent · more persistent · most persistent

persist verb — To continue or remain despite difficulty.

persistence noun — Continued effort or existence despite difficulty.

Similar words

tenacious: Emphasizes holding firmly to a goal rather than simply continuing.
recurring: Returns repeatedly, rather than necessarily continuing without a break.
lasting: Emphasizes duration, without suggesting repeated effort or resistance.