Perseverance vs. Persistence — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Perseverance refers to continuing in a course of action despite difficulty or delay in achieving success, while persistence is the quality of continuing steadily despite problems or difficulties.
Difference Between Perseverance and Persistence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Perseverance emphasizes the determination to keep going in the face of challenges and setbacks, often with a long-term goal in mind. It is associated with enduring difficulties with patience and tenacity. On the other hand, persistence focuses on the act of continuing in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition, possibly without the need to overcome significant obstacles.
Perseverance is often linked with overcoming significant obstacles and continuing efforts over a longer period, reflecting a deep commitment to a goal. In contrast, persistence might not necessarily involve long-term goals but rather the ongoing effort needed to overcome immediate or short-term challenges.
In terms of emotional connotation, perseverance carries a slightly more inspirational and admirable quality, often invoked in the context of achieving high and challenging goals. Meanwhile, persistence can sometimes carry a neutral or even negative connotation, particularly if it is perceived as stubbornness or refusal to give up even when it might be wise to do so.
While perseverance is seen as a virtue in many cultures, often celebrated in stories of personal triumph and resilience, persistence is recognized as a necessary trait for routine success and is often discussed in professional and personal development contexts.
The practical application of perseverance can be seen in scenarios that require sustained effort over time, such as completing a degree or achieving a career milestone. Conversely, persistence might be observed in more everyday contexts, like persisting in solving a difficult problem or learning a new skill despite initial failures.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Long-term goals
Ongoing efforts
Emotional Connotation
Inspirational, admired
Neutral, sometimes negative
Context of Use
Achieving significant, challenging goals
Overcoming immediate or short-term challenges
Cultural Perception
Celebrated as a virtue
Seen as necessary, sometimes stubborn
Example
Completing an advanced degree
Continuously improving a skill despite difficulties
Compare with Definitions
Perseverance
Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Her perseverance in her scientific research led to a groundbreaking discovery.
Persistence
Firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Her persistence was crucial in finding a solution to the technical problem.
Perseverance
Associated with not giving up.
Perseverance is key to overcoming numerous rejections in any field.
Persistence
Often related to ongoing efforts, not necessarily goal-specific.
Persistence is important when dealing with customer complaints.
Perseverance
The effort required to do something and keep doing it till the end, even if it's hard.
His perseverance through the marathon was truly inspiring.
Persistence
Can sometimes suggest a less flexible approach.
His persistence turned into stubbornness, which wasn't helpful.
Perseverance
Often related to personal growth and achievement.
Learning a new language as an adult requires perseverance.
Persistence
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something.
His persistence ensured that the project was completed on time.
Perseverance
Celebrated in narratives of overcoming adversity.
The team's perseverance led them to win the championship against all odds.
Persistence
Useful in professional and learning environments.
Persistence in applying for jobs finally landed her a good position.
Perseverance
Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.
Persistence
The act of persisting.
Perseverance
(Christianity) The Calvinistic doctrine that those who have been chosen by God will continue in a state of grace to the end and will finally be saved.
Persistence
The state or quality of being persistent; persistency.
Perseverance
Continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition or previous failure.
Persistence
Continuance of an effect after the cause is removed
Persistence of vision.
Perseverance
The act of persevering; persistence in anything undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business, or enterprise begun.
Whose constant perseverance overcameWhate'er his cruel malice could invent.
Persistence
The property of being persistent.
You've got to admire her persistence. She's asked him out every day for a month even though she keeps turning him down.
Perseverance
Discrimination.
Persistence
(computer science) Of data, the property of continuing to exist after the termination of the program.
Once written to a disk file, the data has persistence: it will still be there tomorrow when we run the next program.
Perseverance
Continuance in a state of grace until it is succeeded by a state of glory; sometimes called final perseverance, and the perseverance of the saints. See Calvinism.
Persistence
(meteorology) Continuation of the previous day's weather (particularly temperature and precipitation statistics).
Perseverance
Persistent determination
Persistence
(mathematics) The number of times an operation can be iteratively applied to a number before it reaches a permanently constant state.
2=The persistence of the number 39 under the operation of multiplying the digits of the number is three, because 3x9 = 27, 2x7 = 14, and 1x4 = 4, and no further iterations will change the number again.
Perseverance
The act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior;
His perseveration continued to the point where it was no longer appropriate
Persistence
The quality or state of being persistent; staying or continuing quality; hence, in an unfavorable sense, doggedness; obstinacy.
Persistence
The continuance of an effect after the cause which first gave rise to it is removed
Persistence
The property of a continuous and connected period of time
Persistence
Persistent determination
Persistence
The act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior;
His perseveration continued to the point where it was no longer appropriate
Common Curiosities
What is perseverance?
Perseverance is the quality of continuing to try to achieve a particular aim despite difficulties.
Can persistence have negative implications?
Yes, if perceived as stubbornness, persistence can sometimes be viewed negatively.
How does perseverance differ from persistence?
Perseverance is specifically about long-term efforts and overcoming significant obstacles, while persistence is about continuing effort regardless of obstacles, often without the long-term aspect.
Why is perseverance considered admirable?
Perseverance is admired because it involves maintaining resolve and determination in achieving goals despite significant challenges.
Are there any risks associated with too much perseverance or persistence?
Yes, excessive perseverance or persistence, especially if not aligned with realistic goals or adaptive strategies, can lead to burnout or inefficiency.
What is persistence?
Persistence is the continued or prolonged existence of something, typically referring to efforts or impressions.
How do perseverance and persistence relate to resilience?
Both traits are aspects of resilience, which is the ability to recover from difficulties or adjust to change.
What are some examples where perseverance is essential?
Completing an educational degree, overcoming personal adversity, or achieving a long-term professional goal.
Which trait is more important for career advancement?
Both traits are important, but perseverance is particularly valuable for long-term career goals, while persistence is crucial for daily tasks and overcoming immediate challenges.
How can someone show perseverance?
By sticking to their goals despite facing setbacks and challenges, and maintaining their efforts over an extended period.
Is persistence necessary for success?
Yes, in many cases, persistence is crucial for achieving success, especially in tasks that require consistent effort over time.
Can you develop perseverance and persistence?
Yes, both traits can be developed through experiences that challenge one's resolve and through intentional practice in facing obstacles.
What role do perseverance and persistence play in personal growth?
They are crucial for overcoming challenges, learning from failures, and ultimately achieving personal growth and success.
How can someone show persistence?
By continually working towards an objective, not giving up despite difficulties, and maintaining consistent effort.
What are examples of persistence paying off?
Learning a new skill, improving a process at work, or continuing to apply for jobs until achieving the desired position.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
