persistent
per·sis·tent
adj \pər-ˈsis-tənt, -ˈzis-\Definition of PERSISTENT
1
: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: as a : retained beyond the usual period <a persistent leaf> b : continuing without change in function or structure <persistent gills> c : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing <mustard gas is persistent> d : degraded only slowly by the environment <persistent pesticides> e : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation <persistent viruses>
2
— per·sis·tent·ly adverb
See Examples of PERSISTENT
- We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
- He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
- She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
- He has been fighting a persistent cold.
- Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
- Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
- Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
- The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report “America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength.” Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
- The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
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Origin of PERSISTENT
Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere (see persist)
First Known Use: 1826
Related to PERSISTENT
Related Words: assured, certain, dedicated, determined, firm, hell-bent, intent, positive, resolute, resolved, single-minded, sure; adamant, bullheaded, dogged, hardened, hardheaded, headstrong, implacable, indurate, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, opinionated, peevish, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unregenerate, unyielding, willful (or wilful); unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering; resistant, wayward, wrongheaded; constant, devoted, faithful, good, loyal, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true; indomitable, unconquerable; hard, inflexible, relentless, stern, unbending, unflinching, unrelenting
Near Antonyms: quitting, surrendering, yielding; faltering, hesitant, hesitating, irresolute, vacillating, wavering; disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, traitorous, treacherous
Rhymes with PERSISTENT
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