/pə'sɪst; pɚ`sɪst/
v
1 [I, Ipr] ~ (in sth/in doing sth) continue to do sth, esp in an obstinate and determined way and in spite of opposition, argument or failure 坚持; 执意
*If you persist, you will annoy them even more. 你若固执, 他们就更恼火了.
* He will persist in riding that dreadful bicycle. 他执意要骑那辆破自行车.
* She persists in the belief/in believing that she is being persecuted. 她认定自己受到了迫害.
2 [Ipr] ~ with sth continue doing sth in spite of difficulties 不畏困难继续做某事
*They persisted with the agricultural reforms, despite opposition from the farmers. 他们不顾农民反对, 仍继续进行农业改革.
3 [I] continue to exist 持续; 存留
*Fog will persist throughout the night. 雾将整夜不散.
* Loyalty to the former king still persists in parts of the country. 该国一些地方仍有人忠于前国王.

v
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: French;Origin: persister, from Latin persistere, from sistere 'to stand firm']
[I and T]
to continue to do something, although this is difficult, or other people oppose it
persist in (doing) sth
　He persisted in his refusal to admit responsibility.
persist with
　She persisted with her studies in spite of financial problems.
　'I don't think it's right,' John persisted.
[I]
if something bad persists, it continues to exist or happen
　If the pain persists, you must see a doctor.