persist

To continue to happen or exist longer than expected.

• The pain persisted all night.
• Doubts about the plan persist.
• Will these problems persist after the repairs?

How to use it: persist for a period (The smell persisted for several days.)

Similar words: continue, remain, last

Opposites: stop, disappear

Common phrases: symptoms persist, problems persist, persist for days

To keep doing something despite difficulties or other people wanting you to stop.

• She persisted despite the difficulties.
• He persisted in calling after I asked him to stop.
• If you persist with your studies, you will improve.

How to use it: persist in doing something (He persisted in asking the same question.); persist with something (She persisted with the difficult project.)

Similar words: persevere, keep going

Opposites: quit, give up

Common phrases: persist in something, persist with something, persist despite something, persist in trying