- 1[intransitive, transitive] to continue to do something despite difficulties or opposition, in a way that can seem unreasonable persist (in doing something) Why do you persist in blaming yourself for what happened? persist (in something) She persisted in her search for the truth. persist (with something) He persisted with his questioning. + speech “So, did you agree or not?” he persisted.
- 2[intransitive] to continue to exist The belief that the earth was flat persisted for many centuries. If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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NAmE//pərˈsɪst//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they persist he / she / it persists
past simple persisted
-ing form persisting
Check pronunciation: persist