v. i. | 1. | To stand firm; to be fixed and unmoved; to stay; to continue steadfastly; especially, to continue fixed in a course of conduct against opposing motives; to persevere; - sometimes conveying an unfavorable notion, as of doggedness or obstinacy. |
Verb | 1. | persist - continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of Elvis endures" |
2. | persist - be persistent, refuse to stop; "he persisted to call me every night"; "The child persisted and kept asking questions" | |
3. | persist - stay behind; "The smell stayed in the room"; "The hostility remained long after they made up" |