persistir in 30 Seconds
- Persistir means to continue firmly in an action or state despite difficulties.
- It is often used with 'en' (persistir en algo) for human actions.
- It also describes lasting physical conditions like weather or medical symptoms.
- It is more formal and emphasizes resistance more than 'continuar'.
The Spanish verb persistir is a powerful and versatile word that translates most directly to the English 'to persist.' At its core, it describes the act of continuing in a state, opinion, or course of action despite opposition, obstacles, or the simple passage of time. It is a CEFR B2 level word because it moves beyond the simple 'continuar' (to continue) to imply a level of willpower, stubbornness, or inherent durability. Whether you are talking about a person's determination to succeed or a medical symptom that won't go away, persistir is the word of choice for describing things that refuse to stop.
- The Human Element
- In social and psychological contexts, it often refers to someone's steadfastness. If someone keeps trying to solve a puzzle despite failing ten times, they are 'persistiendo'. It carries a nuance of 'standing firm'.
A pesar de las críticas, el artista decidió persistir en su estilo único.
- Environmental and Physical Contexts
- The word is frequently used in weather reports or medical diagnoses. If the rain continues all day, or if a fever doesn't break, the verb used is persistir. Here, it is less about 'will' and more about the objective continuation of a phenomenon.
Si los síntomas persisten por más de tres días, consulte a su médico.
In formal writing, persistir adds a layer of sophistication. It suggests a deeper analysis of duration than 'seguir'. For instance, in an economic report, one might say that inflation 'persiste', suggesting it is a structural problem rather than a temporary fluctuation. It is also common in literature to describe haunting memories or lingering smells. The word evokes a sense of 'staying power'.
El olor a jazmín suele persistir en el jardín durante las noches de verano.
- Etymological Connection
- Coming from the Latin 'persistere' (per- 'through' + sistere 'to stand'), it literally means to 'stand through' something. This imagery helps learners visualize the word as a person standing tall while a storm blows around them.
Debemos persistir en nuestros esfuerzos por alcanzar la paz global.
Using persistir correctly requires understanding its grammatical construction. Unlike the English 'to persist with', Spanish uses the preposition en. The formula is: [Subject] + [persistir conjugated] + en + [noun/infinitive]. This structure is vital for B2 learners to master. Let's look at how this manifests in different tenses and contexts.
- The Present Tense
- In the present tense, it describes ongoing habits or current physical states. 'Él persiste en su error' (He persists in his error). It highlights a current, perhaps stubborn, reality.
Muchos problemas sociales persisten a pesar de los avances tecnológicos.
- The Subjunctive Mood
- Since persistence often involves goals or desires, the subjunctive is common. 'Es importante que persistas' (It is important that you persist). This is used for advice or expressing necessity.
Dudo que el mal tiempo persista durante todo el fin de semana.
When talking about the past, we use the preterite for a specific instance of persistence that ended, or the imperfect for an ongoing state of persistence in the past. 'Persistió hasta que lo logró' (He persisted until he achieved it) vs 'Persistía en su idea' (He was persisting in his idea). The choice of tense changes the narrative focus from the completion of the act to the process itself.
La duda persistió en su mente durante varios meses.
- Using Infinitives
- When followed by another action, always use 'en'. 'Persistió en estudiar' (He persisted in studying). This is a common trap for English speakers who might want to use 'por' or 'a'.
No vale la pena persistir en una relación que no funciona.
You will encounter persistir in a variety of formal and semi-formal settings. It is not a 'slang' word, but it is very common in daily life, especially in professional and academic environments. Understanding where it pops up helps you grasp its register.
- In the News and Media
- Journalists use it to describe long-standing conflicts, economic trends, or weather conditions. 'Persisten las tensiones en la frontera' (Tensions persist at the border). It sounds objective and serious.
Los meteorólogos advierten que las lluvias persistirán hasta el martes.
- In Medical Settings
- Doctors and pharmacists use it constantly. If you read the back of a Spanish medicine bottle, you will inevitably see 'si los síntomas persisten...'. It is the standard way to talk about the duration of an illness.
¿Persiste el dolor después de tomar el medicamento?
In academic essays or business reports, persistir is used to discuss data or social phenomena. An economist might write about how 'persiste la brecha salarial' (the wage gap persists). This usage implies that the phenomenon is not just happening, but is resistant to change. It is a word of durability and structural presence.
A pesar de las reformas, persiste una gran desigualdad en la región.
- Literature and Poetry
- Authors use it to describe memories, ghosts, or feelings that won't leave the protagonist. 'Su recuerdo persistía en cada rincón de la casa' (Her memory persisted in every corner of the house). It adds a poetic, slightly melancholic weight.
La fragancia de las flores persistía en el aire frío de la mañana.
Even advanced learners can trip up with persistir. The most common errors involve prepositions, confusion with similar-sounding verbs, and misuse of register. Understanding these pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more natural.
- Preposition Confusion
- English speakers often say 'persistir con' because of the English 'persist with'. In Spanish, this is always 'persistir en'. Saying 'Persisto con mi plan' is a classic anglicism. The correct form is 'Persisto en mi plan'.
Incorrecto: Persistir con la idea.
Correcto: Persistir en la idea.
- Persistir vs. Insistir
- These are cousins but not twins. 'Insistir' is usually social: you insist that someone else does something. 'Persistir' is usually about your own state or an objective situation. If you keep asking for a discount, you 'insistes'. If you keep working on a hard task, you 'persistes'.
No es lo mismo insistir a un amigo que persistir en un sueño.
Overusing persistir in very casual contexts can also sound a bit stiff. While not 'wrong', saying 'El olor de la pizza persiste' in a casual conversation with friends might sound overly dramatic or scientific. In those cases, 'todavía huele a pizza' (it still smells like pizza) is more common. Reserve persistir for when you want to emphasize the duration or the struggle.
La niebla persiste en el valle (Correct/Formal).
Sigue habiendo niebla (Common/Daily).
- Confusion with 'Perseverar'
- While synonyms, 'perseverar' is almost always positive (virtuous persistence). 'Persistir' can be negative (a persistent cough, persisting in a mistake). Using 'perseverar' for a cough would be a mistake.
Se persevera en la virtud, pero se persiste en el error.
Spanish has a rich vocabulary for 'continuing'. Knowing when to choose persistir over its synonyms will elevate your fluency. Each of these words carries a slightly different 'flavor' or intensity.
- Perseverar
- This is the 'noble' version of persistir. It implies a moral strength and a positive goal. You 'perseveras' in your studies or in your faith. It is rarely used for negative things like diseases or errors.
Para aprender un idioma, hay que perseverar día tras día.
- Insistir
- As mentioned before, this usually involves a repetitive action directed at someone else. 'Insisto en que vengas' (I insist that you come). It’s about emphasis and repetition in communication.
Ella insistió en pagar la cuenta del restaurante.
For physical objects or states that simply don't stop, perdurar and mantenerse are good alternatives. Perdurar implies lasting through time (like a legacy), while mantenerse implies staying in the same state (like a temperature). Persistir is unique because it combines the idea of 'lasting' with a hint of 'resistance'.
Su legado perdurará por muchas generaciones.
- Continuar / Seguir
- These are the most basic and common. Use them for neutral continuation. 'Sigue lloviendo' is more common than 'Persiste la lluvia' in daily talk. Use 'persistir' when the fact that it is STILL happening is noteworthy or problematic.
Podemos continuar con la reunión mañana por la mañana.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The 'sistere' part of the word is the same root found in 'resistir' (to stand against) and 'asistir' (to stand by). It's all about where and how you are standing!
Pronunciation Guide
- Stressing the second-to-last syllable (per-SIS-tir) like in English.
- Pronouncing the 'r' as an English 'r' (retroflex).
- Confusing the 's' sound with a 'z' sound.
- Adding an 'e' sound before the word (eper-sistir).
- Pronouncing the 'i' as a short 'i' like in 'bit'.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and books, easy to recognize from English.
Requires correct preposition 'en' and conjugation.
Stress on the last syllable is often missed by English speakers.
Clearly pronounced, but can be confused with 'insistir'.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verbos con preposición 'en'
Confiar en, persistir en, pensar en.
El uso del subjuntivo con expresiones de duda
Dudo que el problema persista.
Verbos de la tercera conjugación (-ir)
Vivir, escribir, persistir.
El gerundio para acciones continuas
Sigue persistiendo en su idea.
El infinitivo como sujeto de la oración
Persistir es la única opción.
Examples by Level
Yo persisto en mi trabajo.
I persist in my work.
Simple present tense of a regular -ir verb.
La lluvia persiste hoy.
The rain persists today.
Used as an intransitive verb for weather.
Ellos persisten en jugar.
They persist in playing.
Structure: persistir + en + infinitive.
El dolor no persiste.
The pain does not persist.
Negative sentence with the verb.
¿Persistes en tu idea?
Do you persist in your idea?
Question form in the second person.
Nosotros persistimos juntos.
We persist together.
First person plural conjugation.
Ella persiste en leer.
She persists in reading.
Third person singular with infinitive.
El ruido persiste fuera.
The noise persists outside.
Subject-verb agreement.
Si el problema persiste, llama al técnico.
If the problem persists, call the technician.
Conditional sentence using 'si'.
Persistimos en buscar las llaves.
We persist in looking for the keys.
Preposition 'en' followed by an infinitive.
La nieve persiste en las montañas.
The snow persists in the mountains.
Describing a natural state.
Él persistió en su silencio.
He persisted in his silence.
Preterite tense for a completed action.
No persistas en ese error.
Don't persist in that error.
Negative imperative (command).
La fiebre persistió toda la noche.
The fever persisted all night.
Past tense for duration.
Ellas persisten en estudiar mucho.
They persist in studying a lot.
Present tense with adverb 'mucho'.
¿Por qué persiste esta duda?
Why does this doubt persist?
Interrogative sentence.
Aunque era difícil, persistió en su empeño.
Although it was difficult, he persisted in his endeavor.
Use of 'aunque' with preterite.
Es normal que los síntomas persistan un poco.
It is normal for symptoms to persist a little.
Present subjunctive after an impersonal expression.
Si persistes, al final lo conseguirás.
If you persist, in the end you will achieve it.
Future result of a present condition.
La crisis persiste en varios sectores.
The crisis persists in several sectors.
Economic context.
Persistía una extraña fragancia en el aire.
A strange fragrance persisted in the air.
Imperfect tense for description.
Decidieron persistir pese a las advertencias.
They decided to persist despite the warnings.
Infinitive after 'decidir'.
El mal olor persiste en la cocina.
The bad smell persists in the kitchen.
Sensory description.
No debemos persistir en actitudes negativas.
We must not persist in negative attitudes.
Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive.
A pesar de los fracasos, persistió en su visión.
Despite the failures, he persisted in his vision.
Nuanced use of 'a pesar de'.
Si la inflamación persiste, consulte al médico.
If the inflammation persists, consult the doctor.
Formal medical instruction.
La desigualdad persiste en la distribución de la riqueza.
Inequality persists in the distribution of wealth.
Formal sociological context.
Es fundamental que el equipo persista en su estrategia.
It is fundamental that the team persists in its strategy.
Subjunctive for necessity.
El aroma del café persistía en toda la casa.
The aroma of coffee persisted throughout the house.
Imperfect tense for atmosphere.
Persistir en el error es de necios.
To persist in error is for fools.
Infinitive as a subject.
Las dudas sobre el proyecto aún persisten.
Doubts about the project still persist.
Use of 'aún' for emphasis.
El frío persistirá durante el fin de semana.
The cold will persist during the weekend.
Future tense for predictions.
Persisten vestigios de la cultura romana en la ciudad.
Traces of Roman culture persist in the city.
Formal historical context.
No es razonable persistir en una conducta autodestructiva.
It is not reasonable to persist in self-destructive behavior.
Sophisticated psychological vocabulary.
La sombra de la sospecha persistió sobre el político.
The shadow of suspicion persisted over the politician.
Metaphorical usage.
Aunque se introdujeron reformas, la corrupción persiste.
Although reforms were introduced, corruption persists.
Passive voice in the subordinate clause.
El autor persiste en el uso de metáforas oscuras.
The author persists in the use of dark metaphors.
Literary analysis context.
Si persistiera el desacuerdo, tendríamos que mediar.
If the disagreement were to persist, we would have to mediate.
Past subjunctive in a 'si' clause (hypothetical).
La fascinación por lo desconocido persiste en el ser humano.
Fascination with the unknown persists in human beings.
Philosophical subject.
Los efectos secundarios pueden persistir varios días.
Side effects may persist for several days.
Modal verb 'poder' + infinitive.
La impronta de su genio persiste en cada una de sus obras.
The imprint of his genius persists in each of his works.
Highly formal, abstract subject.
Resulta estéril persistir en una argumentación ya refutada.
It is futile to persist in an argument already refuted.
Academic and precise vocabulary.
Persiste una dicotomía insalvable entre sus actos y palabras.
An insurmountable dichotomy persists between his acts and words.
Complex philosophical structure.
Pese a la globalización, persisten los localismos más puros.
Despite globalization, the purest localisms persist.
Sociological analysis.
La voluntad de poder persiste como motor de la historia.
The will to power persists as the engine of history.
Philosophical reference (Nietzschean).
Si hubiera persistido en su empeño, habría fracasado.
If he had persisted in his endeavor, he would have failed.
Pluperfect subjunctive in a conditional sentence.
La resonancia de su voz persistía en el auditorio vacío.
The resonance of her voice persisted in the empty auditorium.
Evocative, poetic language.
Persiste la incógnita sobre el origen del universo.
The mystery about the origin of the universe persists.
Scientific/Philosophical context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To keep going until something is finished. It implies total commitment.
Prometió persistir hasta el final de la investigación.
— To continue believing something strongly. Often used when others disagree.
Él persiste en la idea de que la Tierra es plana.
— To last for a long duration. Used for traditions or long-term effects.
Estas costumbres persisten en el tiempo.
— To keep trying something despite previous failures.
Fracasó dos veces, pero persistió en el intento.
— When physical discomfort or minor problems don't go away.
Si persisten las molestias en la espalda, use una faja.
— To refuse to change one's opinion or position in a debate.
El embajador persistió en su postura oficial.
— A general feeling of being unwell that continues.
El malestar persistió incluso después del descanso.
— When a sound or the memory of something continues to vibrate.
El eco de sus palabras persistió en mi mente.
— Specifically used for foggy weather that doesn't clear.
Persiste la niebla en el aeropuerto, retrasando los vuelos.
— To keep doing or saying the exact same thing (often annoying).
No seas pesado y dejes de persistir en lo mismo.
Often Confused With
Insistir is usually asking someone else repeatedly. Persistir is staying in a state yourself.
Perseverar is almost always a positive virtue. Persistir can be neutral or negative.
Asistir means to attend or to help, not to persist.
Idioms & Expressions
— To stick to one's guns or be very stubborn about an opinion.
Aunque todos le dijeron que no, él persistió en sus trece.
Informal— The one who persists, wins. A common motivational proverb.
No te rindas ahora; recuerda que el que persiste, vence.
Proverb— A variation of 'to err is human', suggesting that continuing in error is also part of human nature.
Errar es humano, pero persistir en el error es de necios.
Formal— To persist or defend something with all one's might.
Persistió en defender su honor a capa y espada.
Colloquial/Literary— To persist against all odds or through all difficulties.
Persistieron en su amor contra viento y marea.
Idiomatic— To persist regardless of the eventual outcome, even if it's bad.
El detective persistió en el caso hasta las últimas consecuencias.
Formal— To continue doing something that has no effect or where no one is listening.
Sus quejas parecen persistir en el vacío.
Literary— To continue doing something just because it's what has always been done, without thought.
A veces las leyes persisten por inercia burocrática.
Analytical— To remain in someone's memory forever.
Aquel verano persistirá en mi memoria para siempre.
Literary— To be very firm and unmoving in a decision or place.
Se quedó allí, persistiendo como un clavo hasta que lo atendieron.
ColloquialEasily Confused
Sounds similar and both involve repetition.
Insistir is often communicative (insisting someone do something), while persistir is about duration or internal resolve.
Insisto en que vengas, pero tú persistes en quedarte.
They are synonyms.
Perseverar has a positive moral connotation (steadfastness in virtue). Persistir is used for physical states (rain, pain) where 'perseverar' would be weird.
Persevera en tus estudios; no permitas que el dolor persista.
Similar root 'sistere'.
Resistir is 'to withstand' or 'to oppose' a force. Persistir is 'to continue' in a state.
Resistió el ataque y persistió en su defensa.
Both imply staying.
Quedarse is physical (staying at home). Persistir is abstract or refers to states (the smell stays/persists).
Me quedo en casa mientras la lluvia persiste.
Similar root and sound.
Consistir means 'to consist of' or 'to be based on'. It has nothing to do with duration.
El plan consiste en persistir hasta el final.
Sentence Patterns
Si [problema] persiste, [acción].
Si el dolor persiste, toma agua.
Él/Ella persiste en [infinitive].
Ella persiste en viajar sola.
A pesar de [obstáculo], [sujeto] persistió.
A pesar del frío, persistió en correr.
Espero que no persista [sustantivo].
Espero que no persista la duda.
Persiste una [sustantivo] entre [A] y [B].
Persiste una tensión entre los países.
[Sujeto] persiste en el uso de [técnica].
El pintor persiste en el uso de colores vivos.
De persistir [situación], se procedería a [acción].
De persistir el impago, se procedería al desahucio.
La [sustantivo] que persiste en [lugar].
La melancolía que persiste en sus versos.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in written Spanish, medium frequency in spoken Spanish.
-
Persistir con mi trabajo.
→
Persistir en mi trabajo.
In Spanish, the preposition 'en' is required after 'persistir' when followed by a noun or infinitive. 'Con' is an anglicism.
-
El dolor persevera.
→
El dolor persiste.
'Perseverar' is for human virtues and goals. For physical symptoms, 'persistir' is the correct choice.
-
Persisto en casa hoy.
→
Me quedo en casa hoy.
'Persistir' is not a synonym for 'staying' in a physical location. It's about continuing a state or action.
-
Yo persisto que vengas.
→
Insisto en que vengas.
If you are trying to convince someone, use 'insistir'. 'Persistir' is not used for requests to others.
-
La lluvia persistió por tres días.
→
La lluvia persistió durante tres días.
While 'por' is sometimes used, 'durante' is much more natural for expressing the duration of a persistent state.
Tips
Always use 'en'
Never forget the preposition 'en' when 'persistir' is followed by what you are persisting in. It is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Medical Context
If you are at a doctor's office in a Spanish-speaking country, use 'persistir' to describe symptoms that haven't gone away. It sounds professional and precise.
Weather Reports
Pay attention to words like 'niebla' (fog) or 'calor' (heat) in news reports. They are almost always paired with 'persistir'.
Noble vs. Neutral
Choose 'perseverar' for heroic or noble persistence, and 'persistir' for everything else, especially mechanical or biological states.
Academic Writing
In essays, use 'persistir' to describe structural problems in society. It adds a level of seriousness to your analysis.
Accentuation
The stress is on the 'tir'. Practice saying 'per-sis-TIR' to avoid sounding like you are speaking English.
The 'Sister' Rule
Remember the Latin 'sistere' (to stand). Persistir is to 'stand through' (per-). It helps you remember the meaning of staying firm.
Don't overdo it
In a very casual bar setting, 'persistir' might sound a bit too formal. Use 'seguir' for everyday small talk.
Common Pairs
Learn the phrase 'persistir en el error'. It is a very common way to describe someone being stubborn in a wrong way.
TV News
Watch the news in Spanish. You will hear 'persisten las protestas' or 'persiste la crisis' very often. It's a great way to hear the word in context.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'person' who is 'sister' (standing) through a storm. Per-sister = Persistir. They stand through it all.
Visual Association
Visualize a lone tree standing firm in a heavy gale. The wind blows, but the tree persists.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'persistir' in a sentence about a bad habit you are trying to break or a good habit you are trying to keep.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'persistere', which is a compound of 'per-' (through, thoroughly) and 'sistere' (to cause to stand, to place).
Original meaning: To stand firm, to remain standing, or to continue steadfastly.
Romance (Latin root).Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but be careful not to confuse it with 'insistir' when talking about personal boundaries.
In English, 'persist' can sometimes have a slightly annoying connotation (e.g., 'he persisted in asking'). In Spanish, it's often more neutral or descriptive.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical
- El síntoma persiste.
- Si persiste la fiebre...
- Dolor que persiste.
- Persistir tras el tratamiento.
Weather
- Persiste la nubosidad.
- La lluvia persistirá.
- El viento persiste.
- Persistencia de la nieve.
Personal Goals
- Persistir en el estudio.
- Hay que persistir.
- Persistió hasta ganar.
- No dejes de persistir.
Social Issues
- Persiste la pobreza.
- La brecha persiste.
- Persisten las dudas.
- El conflicto persiste.
Business
- Persistir en la inversión.
- La tendencia persiste.
- Persistir en la calidad.
- Dificultades que persisten.
Conversation Starters
"¿Crees que es importante persistir en una relación difícil?"
"¿En qué proyecto has tenido que persistir más tiempo?"
"¿Qué haces cuando un problema técnico persiste en tu ordenador?"
"¿Crees que los humanos persistiremos en la Tierra por mucho tiempo?"
"¿Es mejor persistir en un error o admitirlo rápidamente?"
Journal Prompts
Escribe sobre un momento de tu vida en el que decidiste persistir a pesar de las críticas de los demás.
Describe un problema social que persiste en tu ciudad y qué se podría hacer para solucionarlo.
¿Qué cualidades crees que necesita una persona para persistir en sus sueños durante décadas?
Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'Errar es humano, pero persistir en el error es de necios'.
Describe un aroma o un recuerdo que persiste en tu mente desde tu infancia.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsSe dice siempre 'persistir en'. El uso de 'con' es un error común influenciado por el inglés 'persist with'. Por ejemplo: 'Persiste en su empeño', no 'con su empeño'.
Usa 'persistir' cuando quieras enfatizar que algo continúa a pesar de las dificultades o cuando hables en un contexto formal como la medicina o el clima. 'Seguir' es más cotidiano y neutral.
No. A diferencia de 'perseverar', que suele ser positivo, 'persistir' puede ser negativo, como en 'persistir en un error' o 'persistir el dolor'.
Es un verbo regular de la tercera conjugación: yo persisto, tú persistes, él persiste, nosotros persistimos, vosotros persistís, ellos persisten.
El sustantivo es 'persistencia'. Por ejemplo: 'Su persistencia fue clave para el éxito'.
Sí, para indicar que alguien no cambia de opinión o sigue intentando algo. 'Él persiste en su decisión'.
Es menos común que 'seguir', pero se usa mucho en contextos específicos como el trabajo, la salud o al hablar de problemas.
Insistir implica repetición, a menudo hacia otra persona ('insisto en que comas'). Persistir implica duración y resistencia ('el frío persiste').
Sí, frecuentemente después de verbos de deseo o duda: 'No creo que la lluvia persista mucho tiempo'.
Es un modismo que significa mantenerse firme en una opinión o actitud, a menudo de forma terca o testaruda.
Test Yourself 92 questions
Escribe una frase usando 'persistir en' y el verbo 'estudiar'.
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¿Por qué es importante persistir en tus metas?
Read this aloud:
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Escucha y escribe: 'La duda persiste'.
Describe una situación donde alguien persiste en sus trece.
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Escribe una frase sobre una tradición que persiste en tu país.
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Usa 'persistir' en una frase sobre economía.
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Escribe un breve párrafo (3 frases) sobre la persistencia en el deporte.
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Haz una pregunta a un médico usando 'persistir'.
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Escribe una frase sobre la persistencia de la memoria.
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Escribe una frase sobre el clima persistente.
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Usa el subjuntivo de persistir en una frase.
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/ 92 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The verb 'persistir' is your go-to word for describing things that don't give up or go away easily. Remember the key structure: 'persistir en + noun/infinitive'. Example: 'Debes persistir en tus sueños' (You must persist in your dreams).
- Persistir means to continue firmly in an action or state despite difficulties.
- It is often used with 'en' (persistir en algo) for human actions.
- It also describes lasting physical conditions like weather or medical symptoms.
- It is more formal and emphasizes resistance more than 'continuar'.
Always use 'en'
Never forget the preposition 'en' when 'persistir' is followed by what you are persisting in. It is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Medical Context
If you are at a doctor's office in a Spanish-speaking country, use 'persistir' to describe symptoms that haven't gone away. It sounds professional and precise.
Weather Reports
Pay attention to words like 'niebla' (fog) or 'calor' (heat) in news reports. They are almost always paired with 'persistir'.
Noble vs. Neutral
Choose 'perseverar' for heroic or noble persistence, and 'persistir' for everything else, especially mechanical or biological states.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
