Quotes: Perseverence, Persistence

(consider the postage stamp: its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there)

perseverance (s) (noun), perseverances (pl)
1. A steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness: Endurance and perseverance, when combined, can result in a successful endeavor.
2. The determined continuation with something; usually over a long period; especially, despite difficulties or setbacks: Perseverance usually indicates that something has been continued in spite of it not being easy to accomplish; in fact, perseverance is required to accomplish just about any skill.

Perseverance may be used in either a favorable or an unfavorable sense, and implies unremitting and sometimes annoying persistence; for example, talking when others want to study.

3. Etymology: from Latin perseverantia, "steadfastness, constancy".
A steadfast effort to do something.
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persevere (verb), perseveres; persevered; persevering
1. To persist in or to remain determined to achieve a purpose, idea, or task: Jim persevered in the face of obstacles and discouragements and refused to stop building a shed for the bicycles of the children who were living in his apartment building.
2. To strive steadily and be resolved and to maintain one's efforts; usually, over a long period and despite problems or difficulties: Glenda persevered in her university studies and graduated at the top of her class.
3. Etymology: from Old French perseverer, from Latin perseverare, "to continue steadfastly, to persist"; from persevereus, "very strict, earnest", from per-, "thoroughly" + severus, "strict".
To persist in doing something even despite great odds.
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persist (verb), persists; persisted; persisting
1. To keep carrying on, to continue steadily or obstinately despite problems, difficulties, or obstacles: Jim and Janet persisted in climbing the mountain although they had big blisters on their feet!
2. To be stubbornly insistent, repetitious, or tenacious: Little Susi persisted in having her way, although her parents said, "No!"
3. To hold firmly and steadfastly to a purpose, state, or undertaking despite obstacles, warnings, or setbacks: Some drivers persist in having a beer with their colleagues after work and then drive home.
4. To continue being widely believed or accepted: The musical compositions by J.S. Bach have persisted and been enjoyed by people throughout the centuries.
5. To continue to happen, to last, or to exist: The snowstorm persisted throughout the whole day and night and never let up.
6. Etymology: existing since 1538, from Middle French (about 1400-1600) persister, from Latin persistere, "to continue steadfastly"; from per-, "thoroughly" + sistere "to come to stand, to cause to stand still".
persistence (s) (noun), persistences (pl)
1. The quality of steady continuation despite problems or difficulties: Lynn showed a lot of persistence with practicing her violin which showed in her receiving special awards for improvement!
2. The condition of stubbornness in spite of opposition, importunity, or warnings: The persistence of bed bugs upset Jenny's everyday life a whole lot and were terribly difficult to get rid of.
Least persistence is most direct route to failure.
persistency (s) (noun), persistencies (pl)
The condition of perserverance: Greg's persistency and determination in studying for his medical exams were rewarded with the best grade in his semester!
persistent (adjective); more persistent, most persistent
1. Referring to someone who is tenacious or determined despite problems and difficulties: Sally has been a persistent worker in striving to achieve the company's objectives.
2. Pertaining to something which is incessant or unrelenting or which exists or continues for an unpleasantly long time: Extremely bad weather conditions have been a persistent problem in many parts of the country during the past winters.
3. Descriptive of something that is constantly repeated or continued: Many carpenters have been making persistent efforts in repairing the damage done by the recent tornado.
Refusing to give up, stubborn, persevering.
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Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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persistently (adverb); more persistently, most persistently
Referring to how an action or verbalization is continued in a determined way, even when facing difficulties or opposition: The little boy persistently begged his father to buy him the toy train.

Quotations

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.
—Calvin Coolidge


Taking the path of least persistence is the most direct route to failure.
—John Rayoa


Don't Quit!

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must—but don't you quit!
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup.
—Anonymous


Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck—but, most of all, endurance.
—James Baldwin (1924-1987)


Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.
—William Blake


Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.
—Walter Elliott


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