Persevere Meaning
/ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo persist steadfastly in pursuit of an undertaking, task, journey, or goal, even if hindered by distraction, difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement.
verbTo stay constant; to continue in a certain state; to remain.
Sentence Examples
Be the matter what it may, we must persevere.
You must persevere before you can accomplish anything great.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Despite the difficult conditions, the climbers decided to ____ until they reached the summit.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Despite the setbacks, she chose to ____ and eventually completed the marathon she had trained for.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English perseveren, from Old French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre (“to continue steadfastly, persist, persevere”), from perseverus (“very strict or earnest”), from per (“through, by the means of”) + severus (“strict, earnest”). Doublet of perseverate.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I will persevere in
my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore
between that and my blood."
— c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene v]:
"Sir Walter had sought the acquaintance, and though his overtures had not been met with any warmth, he had persevered in seeking it."
— 1817 (date written), [Jane Austen], chapter I, in Persuasion; published in Northanger Abbey: And Persuasion. […], volume (please specify |volume=III or IV), London: John Murray, […], 20 December 1817 (indicated as 1818), →OCLC:
"He is a trifle discouraged, but he perseveres."
— c. 1918, P. G. Wodehouse, The Agonies of Writing a Musical Comedy:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Despite the difficult conditions, the climbers decided to ____ until they reached the summit.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Despite the setbacks, she chose to ____ and eventually completed the marathon she had trained for.