perseverance

[pur-suh-veer-uh ns] /ˌpɜr səˈvɪər əns/

noun

steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

Origin

1300-50; Middle English perseveraunce < Middle French perseverance < Latin persevērantia. See persevere, -ance

Related forms

perseverant, adjective

nonperseverance, noun

nonperseverant, adjective

Synonyms

1. doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. It is regularly used in a favorable sense. Persistence, which may be used in either a favorable or an unfavorable sense, implies unremitting (and sometimes annoying) perseverance: persistence in a belief; persistence in talking when others wish to study. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory. Pertinacity, unlike its related word, is used chiefly in an unfavorable sense, that of overinsistent tenacity: the pertinacity of the social climber.

Examples from the web for perseverance

This is a triumphant, true story of sacrifice and perseverance.
But the hours-long setup process requires an early adopter's perseverance.
However, he stayed on and his perseverance paid off.
Victory is merely the culmination of planning, perception and perseverance.
Altruism and perseverance are ingredients of her career tale.
Through sheer perseverance, it is being rebuilt.
So if you don't believe perseverance will pay back, then it won't.
Rees has written an unforgettable memoir of courage, empathy and perseverance.
Patience and perseverance will overcome mountains.
Yet she contrived to read and write with unwavering perseverance.

British Dictionary definitions for perseverance

perseverance

/ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/

noun

continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence

(Christianity) persistence in remaining in a state of grace until death

Derived Forms

perseverant, adjective

Word Origin and History for perseverance

mid-14c., from Old French perseverance "persistence, endurance" (12c., Modern French persévérance) and directly from Latin perseverantia "steadfastness, constancy," from perseverantem (nominative perseverans), from perseverare (see persevere).