persistent

persistent is on the Academic Word List.

Word parts

persist + -ent

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /pɚˈsɪstənt/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /pəˈsɪstənt/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

• Hyphenation: per‧sis‧tent

Adjective

Positive persistent

Comparative more persistent

Superlative most persistent

1. If someone or something is persistent, they continue and do not give up quickly.

   She has had a persistent cough for weeks.

   There was a persistent knocking on the door.

   Many youth who spend time in jail actually become persistent offenders.

   There have been persistent rumors for years.

2. (botany) Lasting past maturity without falling off.

   Pine cones have persistent scales.

Related words

• persist