Words / C1

p-uh-SIST-uh-nt/pəˈsɪstənt/

Persistent means continuing for a long time, or a person who will not give up. Native writers use it for symptoms (a persistent headache) and for behaviour (persistent questioning). Continuous stresses no break; continual often means repeated with pauses. Persistent can be praise (effort) or complaint (a persistent rumour). Persistence is the noun.

Meaning

Continuing for a long time, or refusing to give up.

Examples

• “She had a persistent cough.”
• “A persistent error in the script crashed every build.”
• “He was persistent, and the editor finally replied.”

Good to know

persistent = lasting or not giving up. continuous = without a break. Noun: persistence.

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