GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Persevere , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Persevered ; p. pr. & vb. n. Persevering.] [F. persévérer, L. perseverare, fr. perseverus very strict; per + severus strict, severe. See Per-, and Severe.] To persist in any business or enterprise undertaken; to pursue steadily any project or course begun; to maintain a purpose in spite of counter influences, opposition, or discouragement; not to give or abandon what is undertaken.
   1913 Webster
   Thrice happy, if they know
   Their happiness, and persevere upright.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- To Persevere, Continue, Persist.  The idea of not laying aside is common to these words. Continue is the generic term, denoting simply to do as one has done hitherto. To persevere is to continue in a given course in spite of discouragements, etc., from a desire to obtain our end. To persist is to continue from a determination of will not to give up. Persist is frequently used in a bad sense, implying obstinacy in pursuing an unworthy aim.
   1913 Webster