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per·sist

(pər-sĭst)

intr.v. per·sist·ed, per·sist·ing, per·sists

1. To be obstinately repetitious, insistent, or tenacious.

2. To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings, or setbacks.

3. To continue in existence; last: hostilities that have persisted for years.

[Latin persistere : per-, per- + sistere, to stand; see stā- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

per·sister n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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