Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

persevere

/ˌpɝ.səˈviɹ/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.96 in modern English

Syllables: per-se-vere
IPA: /ˌpɝ.səˈviɹ/

14

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

3

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To persist steadfastly in pursuit of an undertaking, task, journey, or goal, even if hindered by distraction, difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement.

Intransitive verb

verb

To stay constant; to continue in a certain state; to remain.

Intransitive verb; Obsolete

Example Sentences

"I will persevere in my course of loyalty, though the conflict be sore between that and my blood."
"Sir Walter had sought the acquaintance, and though his overtures had not been met with any warmth, he had persevered in seeking it."
"He is a trifle discouraged, but he perseveres."

Etymology

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.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: perseveren, perseverer, persevērō

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˌpɝ.səˈviɹ/
British English: /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə/

Usage

Inflected Forms

perseveres (present, singular) persevering (participle, present) persevered (participle, past) persevered (past) perservere (alternative) persever (alternative)

Frequently Paired Words

perseverance perseverant

Synonyms

abide astand bear up carry on continue endure follow up hang in there hold on hold out hold the line hold up

Antonyms

cease desist give up quit stop surrender yield

Rhymes With

year near clear career fear appear dear beer premier severe engineer gear

Questions

How do you pronounce persevere?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˌpɝ.səˈviɹ/.
What does persevere mean?: To persist steadfastly in pursuit of an undertaking, task, journey, or goal, even if hindered by distraction, difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement.
Where does persevere come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce persevere

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “persevere”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˌpɝ.səˈviɹ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “persevere”.
Repeat and practice — Say “persevere” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.