persist Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb continue to exist
    run; die hard; prevail; endure.
    • These stories die hard
    • The legend of Elvis endures
  2. verb be persistent, refuse to stop
    persevere; hold on; hang on; hang in.
    • he persisted to call me every night
    • The child persisted and kept asking questions
  3. verb stay behind
    remain; stay.
    • The smell stayed in the room
    • The hostility remained long after they made up

WordNet

Per*sist" intransitive verb
Etymology
L. persistere; per + sistere to stand or be fixed, fr. stare to stand: cf. F. persister. See Per-, and Stand.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Persisted; present participle & verbal noun Persisting
Definitions
  1. To stand firm; to be fixed and unmoved; to stay; to continue steadfastly; especially, to continue fixed in a course of conduct against opposing motives; to persevere; -- sometimes conveying an unfavorable notion, as of doggedness or obstinacy.
    If they persist in pointing their batteries against particular persons, no laws of war forbid the making reprisals. Addison.
    Some positive, persisting fops we know, Who, if once wrong, will needs be always so. Pope.
    That face persists. It floats up; it turns over in my mind. Mrs. Browning.
    Syn. -- See Persevere, and Insist.

Webster 1913