Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PER-SE-VERE', v.i. [L. persevero. The last component part of this word, severo, must be the same as in assevero, with the radical sense of set, fixed or continued. So persist is formed with per and sisto, to stand. Constant and continue have a like primary sense. So we say, to hold on.]

To persist in any business or enterprise undertaken; to pursue steadily any design or course commenced; not to give over or abandon what is undertaken; applied alike to good and evil. Thrice happy, if they know / Their happiness, and persevere upright! – Milton. To persevere in any evil course makes you unhappy in this life. – Wake.