What does persevere mean?
Persevere is a formal verb meaning to continue trying to achieve something despite difficulties, setbacks, or discouragement. It emphasizes endurance and determination rather than simply continuing an action. A person may persevere with a difficult task, persevere through a period of hardship, or persevere in the face of criticism and opposition. The word often carries a positive, approving connotation, presenting persistence as a sign of resilience, although it can be used more neutrally when someone continues despite advice that they stop. In a legal or public-affairs context, persevere can also mean to maintain a position or claim when resistance is encountered. Compared with the broader word persist, persevere usually places greater emphasis on effort, difficulty, and sustained determination. It is related to, but distinct from, preserve, which means to protect or keep something in its existing or proper condition.
verbTo continue trying to do something despite difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. It can also mean to persist in a course of action or belief despite opposition or setbacks.
- To continue making efforts toward a goal despite difficulties or discouragement.
- To persist in a course of action, belief, or intention despite opposition or setbacks.
"Despite repeated setbacks, she continued to persevere in her efforts to complete the project."
"The team decided to persevere even when the first series of experiments produced disappointing results."
"She continued to persevere in her claim that the policy had been unfairly implemented."
Persevere turns repeated failure into evidence of determination rather than a reason to stop.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persevere come from?
Persevere comes through Middle English from Old French persévérer, which in turn derives from Latin perseverare. The Latin verb combines the intensive prefix per- with severus, originally conveying the idea of acting strictly, firmly, or resolutely. Its modern English sense developed toward the idea of continuing firmly in an action despite difficulty. Perseveration and the less common perseverate share the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How persevere is actually used
The word is generally formal and positive in modern use. It suggests sustained effort and determination, especially in the face of obstacles; it is not usually used for continuing an activity that is merely routine or convenient.
Easily confused with persevere
Persevere means to continue trying despite difficulties, whereas preserve means to keep something intact, unchanged, or in good condition.