persistence
UK[pəˈsɪstəns]US[pərˈsɪstəns]
n
the fact of continuing to try to do something despite difficulties, especially when other people are against you and think you are being annoying or unreasonable
n
the state of continuing to exist for a long time or longer than expected
Morpheme Breakdown
per
sist
ence
per
through
sist
stand
ence
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'persistence' is built upon the latin verb persistere, which itself is a compound of the intensive prefix per- and the verb sistere, meaning "to stand". the literal sense is "to stand through" or "to stand firm". this evolved into the figurative meaning of continuing steadfastly in a course of action or opinion despite opposition or difficulty. the suffix -ence was added to form the noun describing the quality or state of such steadfast continuance. thus, the modern abstract meaning of continued effort or prolonged existence logically stems from the ancient concept of standing firmly through challenges or time.
Analysis
Structure: per (through) + sist (stand) + ence (noun suffix)
- per: from latin, meaning "through, thoroughly, completely". serves as an intensive prefix.
- sist: from latin sistere, meaning "to stand, stand firm, cause to stand". serves as the core verb root.
- ence: from latin -entia, a noun-forming suffix denoting a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
her persistence finally paid off when she was offered the job.
the persistence of the cough worried the doctor.
the software is known for its persistence of user settings across sessions.