perseverance

steady persistence through difficulty

Roots

  • per-: through, thoroughly, or completely
  • severus / severe: serious, strict, or steady through difficulty

Other words with the severus / severe root

  • persevere: to keep going despite difficulty
  • severe: serious, strict, intense, or harsh

Per- gives through, and severe gives the serious or strict force. Perseverance is continuing through what is hard.

Her perseverance mattered more than one brilliant study session.

Perseverance is not speed or cheerfulness. It is the steadier thing: staying with the work through difficulty, seriousness, and fatigue.

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