persevere

verb

per·​se·​vere ˌpər-sə-ˈvir How to pronounce persevere (audio)
persevered; persevering

intransitive verb

: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement
perseveringly adverb

Did you know?

The early settlers of the New World persevered in the face of constant hardship and danger. The Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation lost half their number in the first winter to disease and hunger, but their perseverance paid off, and within five years their community was healthy and self-sufficient. Perhaps more remarkable are all the solitary inventors who have persevered in pursuing their visions for years, lacking any financial support and laughed at by the public.

Examples of persevere in a Sentence

She persevered in her studies and graduated near the top of her class. Even though he was tired, he persevered and finished the race.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite facing social ostracization, death threats, economic hardship and caste prejudice, the family perseveres and ultimately secures a landmark ruling. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025 Constrained by societal conventions that historically relegated women’s participation in sport to the periphery, female cricketers persevered. Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 In The Trouble of Color, your family perseveres through intense personal and political struggles. Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025 Despite the challenges ahead, the individuals who spoke with CNN feel confident the trans immigrant community will persevere through their support of one another. Taylor Romine, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persevere

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perseveren, borrowed from Anglo-French parseverer, perseverer "to last, endure, persist in spite of opposition," borrowed from Latin persevērāre "to persist in a course of action or an attitude in spite of opposition, keep on, (of a condition) continue, last," from per- per- + -sevērāre, verbal derivative of sevērus "stern, austere, severe"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of persevere was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persevere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persevere. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

persevere

verb
per·​se·​vere ˌpər-sə-ˈvi(ə)r How to pronounce persevere (audio)
persevered; persevering
: to keep at something in spite of difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

More from Merriam-Webster on persevere

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!