Persistent vs. Persistant — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Persistent is the correct spelling, while persistant is incorrect. Persistent describes someone or something that is tenacious and steadfast.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Persistent or Persistant
How to spell Persistent?
Persistent
Correct Spelling
Persistant
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
Remember that "ent" is a common suffix, as in "consistent" or "insistent."
Recall that “persistent” has the same number of letters as "resilient," both describing a similar trait.
Think “persistent” = "consistently existent," which also has an "e."
"Persistent" contains the word "tent" in it.
Visualize a tent being persistent against strong winds.
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How Do You Spell Persistant Correctly?
Incorrect: The persistant rain spoiled our picnic plans.
Correct: The persistent rain spoiled our picnic plans.
Incorrect: He was known for his persistant attitude.
Correct: He was known for his persistent attitude.
Incorrect: She showed a persistant interest in science.
Correct: She showed a persistent interest in science.
Incorrect: The persistant noise made it hard to concentrate.
Correct: The persistent noise made it hard to concentrate.
Incorrect: His persistant efforts were finally rewarded.
Correct: His persistent efforts were finally rewarded.
Persistent Definitions
Persistent also refers to something that sticks around and does not disappear
Persistent symptoms need a doctor’s attention.
Persistent implies a continuous, determined, and prolonged existence
He showed a persistent effort in his studies.
Being persistent can mean being insistent in statement or request
The child was persistent in asking for candy.
Refusing to give up or let go; persevering obstinately.
Insistently repetitive or continuous
A persistent honking of car horns.
Existing or remaining in the same state for an indefinitely long time; enduring
Persistent rumors.
A persistent infection.
(Botany) Lasting past maturity without falling off, as the calyx on an eggplant or the scales of a pine cone.
(Zoology) Retained permanently, rather than disappearing in an early stage of development
The persistent gills of fishes.
Obstinately refusing to give up or let go.
She has had a persistent cough for weeks.
Insistently repetitive.
There was a persistent knocking on the door.
Indefinitely continuous.
There have been persistent rumours for years.
(botany) Lasting past maturity without falling off.
Pine cones have persistent scales.
(computing) Of data or a data structure: not transient or temporary, but remaining in existence after the termination of the program that creates it.
Once written to a disk file, the data becomes persistent: it will still be there tomorrow when we run the next program.
(mathematics) Describing a fractal process that has a positive Brown function
Non-transient.
Inclined to persist; having staying qualities; tenacious of position or purpose.
Remaining beyond the period when parts of the same kind sometimes fall off or are absorbed; permanent; as, persistent teeth or gills; a persistent calyx; - opposed to deciduous, and caducous.
Never-ceasing;
The relentless beat of the drums
Continually recurring to the mind;
Haunting memories
The cathedral organ and the distant voices have a haunting beauty
Retained; not shed;
Persistent leaves remain attached past maturity
The persistent gills of fishes
When something is persistent, it continually occurs or recurs
Persistent rainfall caused flooding.
Persistent can describe an unwavering and steady nature
She had a persistent dedication to her goals.
Persistent Meaning in a Sentence
Her persistent dedication to volunteering inspired others.
The team's persistent efforts led to a breakthrough.
Persistent rumors about the merger caused uncertainty.
Persistent training is the key to success in athletics.
She was a persistent advocate for environmental conservation.
The persistent cough raised concerns about his health.
Persistent problems with the software were frustrating.
Despite persistent obstacles, he achieved his goals.
She received praise for her persistent creativity.
Persistent study habits result in academic improvement.
The persistent child kept asking questions.
Persistent efforts in research led to new discoveries.
Persistent memories of the trip filled him with joy.
He remained persistent in his search for the truth.
Persistent rain has been affecting the crops.
The persistent ache in her shoulder worried her.
The garden thrived under her persistent care.
Persistent innovation is crucial in technology.
The persistent wind made it difficult to proceed.
His persistent optimism kept the team motivated.
Persistent kindness can make a big difference.
A persistent approach to problem-solving is effective.
Her persistent vision led the company to new heights.
Persistent resistance to change can hinder progress.
Persistent inquiry is essential for learning.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called persistent?
Derived from Latin "persistens."
What is the pronunciation of persistent?
/pərˈsɪstənt/
What is the verb form of persistent?
Persist.
What is the root word of persistent?
Persist.
What is the plural form of persistent?
Persistent (unchanged, as adjectives do not have plurals in English).
Which preposition is used with persistent?
"In" as in persistent in effort.
Which conjunction is used with persistent?
No specific conjunction is standard.
Which vowel is used before persistent?
Use “a” as in "a persistent."
Is persistent an adverb?
No.
Is persistent an abstract noun?
No.
What is the singular form of persistent?
Persistent.
Is persistent a vowel or consonant?
It's a word, not a vowel or consonant.
Is persistent a countable noun?
No, it is an adjective.
How many syllables are in persistent?
Three.
Which determiner is used with persistent?
No specific determiner is standard.
Is persistent a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
Is the word persistent imperative?
No.
Is the word “persistent” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Neither, it's an adjective.
How do we divide persistent into syllables?
Per-sist-ent.
What is a stressed syllable in persistent?
Sist.
Which article is used with persistent?
"A" or "the" can be used.
Is persistent a collective noun?
No.
What part of speech is persistent?
Adjective.
What is the opposite of persistent?
Inconsistent.
Is persistent a negative or positive word?
It can be either, depending on context.
What is another term for persistent?
Tenacious.
How is persistent used in a sentence?
His persistent efforts led to eventual success.
Is the persistent term a metaphor?
No, but can be used in metaphorical contexts.
Is the word persistent a Gerund?
No.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-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.
