perseverance

USAGE SUMMARY

"perseverance" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the quality of continuing to do something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. For example, "Her perseverance paid off when she was accepted into the top university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is an attractive but not winsome character whose bemusement, resentment and perseverance are evident.

The Guardian - Film

We saw last weekend the endgame of perseverance, commitment and a strong desire to win, as Andy Murray won Wimbledon after years of trying and not quite getting there.

The Guardian

"The ability to take a good wildlife photograph requires background knowledge and perseverance, and an eye and sense of composition.

The Guardian

The everyday commute in Hanoi is a test of endurance; it requires perseverance and concentration, and involves pollution, bizarre noises, and mysterious aromas.

The Guardian

Generations upon generations have been told the same story, and anything different, such as truly gender equal principles, takes a very long time and perseverance from people in order to become a long lasting change.

The Guardian

Pushing himself to the limit physically has also boosted his academic commitment and perseverance.

The Guardian

Yet this was a triumph for spirit and togetherness and all the qualities of perseverance for which England teams are renowned.

The Guardian - Sport

He's phenomenal because he has such perseverance and determination.

The Guardian

Perry said his hard work and perseverance eventually propelled him to the governor's mansion in Texas, where he loosened regulations and lowered taxes.

The Guardian

But Donald offered Gretna as an example that perseverance does eventually pay off as the club had tried before to be accepted into the SFL.

The Guardian - Sport

Di María's performance embodied that perseverance.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perseverance" to emphasize sustained effort in overcoming significant obstacles. It highlights not just the act of continuing, but the difficulty involved.

Common error

Avoid using "perseverance" when the continued effort is counterproductive or harmful. "Stubbornness" might be more appropriate when the persistence lacks a rational or beneficial purpose.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "perseverance" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting the quality of persisting in a course of action despite difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct word and frequently used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perseverance" is a versatile and frequently used noun that denotes the quality of persisting despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is valid and usable in different contexts. It is particularly common in News & Media and academic writing, conveying a neutral tone suitable for discussing efforts towards achieving goals. While synonyms like "persistence" and "tenacity" exist, "perseverance" effectively highlights the difficulty overcome through sustained effort, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. Use "perseverance" to emphasize the significance of continuing to strive for a goal despite facing hardships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistence

Focuses on continuing despite obstacles or opposition.

tenacity

Highlights the quality of holding firmly to something, like a goal or belief.

determination

Emphasizes a firm decision to achieve something.

dedication

Stresses commitment and devotion to a cause or task.

grit

Implies courage and resolve, particularly in challenging situations.

resolve

Suggests a firm determination to do something.

steadfastness

Indicates unwavering commitment and loyalty.

endurance

Focuses on the ability to withstand hardship or stress over a prolonged period.

assiduity

Emphasizes diligent and persistent effort.

doggedness

Highlights stubborn determination and unwillingness to give up.

FAQs

How can I use "perseverance" in a sentence?

You can use "perseverance" to describe someone's ability to continue striving towards a goal despite facing challenges. For instance, "Her "perseverance" paid off when she finally achieved her lifelong dream."

What are some synonyms for "perseverance"?

Alternatives to "perseverance" include "persistence", "tenacity", and "determination", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "perseverance" a formal or informal word?

"Perseverance" is generally considered a formal word suitable for academic, professional, and news-related contexts. While it can be used in informal settings, synonyms like "grit" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "perseverance" and "patience"?

"Perseverance" implies active effort and continued striving, while "patience" refers to the ability to wait calmly without complaint. You can have "patience" while awaiting results, but "perseverance" is about continuing to work towards them.