persist (persists 3rd person present) (persisting present participle) (persisted past tense & past participle )
1 verb If something undesirable persists, it continues to exist.
Contact your doctor if the cough persists... V
These problems persisted for much of the decade. V
2 verb If you persist in doing something, you continue to do it, even though it is difficult or other people are against it.
Why does Britain persist in running down its defence forces?... V in -ing
He urged the United States to persist with its efforts to bring about peace... V with/in n
`You haven't answered me,' she persisted... V with quote
When I set my mind to something, I persist. V