Definition of "persevere"

persevere

/ˌpɜːsəˈvɪə/

verb
third-person singular simple present perseveres, present participle persevering, simple past and past participle persevered
1. (intransitive) To persist steadfastly in pursuit of an undertaking, task, journey, or goal, even if hindered by distraction, difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement.
  Quotations
  I will persevere inmy course of loyalty, though the conflict be sorebetween that and my blood.
  c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act III, scene v]
  Sir Walter had sought the acquaintance, and though his overtures had not been met with any warmth, he had persevered in seeking it.
  1817 (date written), [Jane Austen], chapter I, in Persuasion; published in Northanger Abbey: And Persuasion. […], volumes (please specify |volume=III or IV), London: John Murray, […], 20 December 1817 (indicated as 1818)
  He is a trifle discouraged, but he perseveres.
  c. 1918, P. G. Wodehouse, The Agonies of Writing a Musical Comedy
2. (intransitive, copulative, obsolete) To stay constant; to continue in a certain state; to remain.