persistent
/pəˈsɪstənt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.
Adjective
Examples
She has had a persistent cough for weeks.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Insistently repetitive.
Adjective
Examples
There was a persistent knocking on the door.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “persistent” mean?
Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.
Is “persistent” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.