persist meaning and definition

PERSIST verb

Definition of persist (verb)

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