persistent

Persistent is an adjective describing something that lasts for a long time, endures despite time or obstacles, or continues despite countervailing forces. The term derives from Latin persistere, from per- “through” and sistere “to stand.” In everyday language it can refer to durability, tenacity, or repeated occurrences that do not fade easily.

In computing and information technology, persistence refers to data or state that outlives the process that created it. Persistent storage keeps data beyond the lifetime of a program, using files, databases, or non-volatile memory. Persistent data structures preserve previous versions after updates. The term also appears in hardware contexts as persistent or non-volatile memory, such as flash or emerging storage technologies, which retain information without power.

In science and engineering, persistence has several specialized uses. In environmental science and toxicology, persistence describes how long chemicals remain in the environment or organisms; persistent organic pollutants are chemicals that resist degradation and bioaccumulate. In physics, persistent currents are electrical currents that continue with little or no decay, notably in superconductors. In medicine, persistent may describe symptoms or conditions that endure for extended periods, such as persistent depressive disorder.

In psychology and everyday language, persistence often refers to the trait of sustained effort toward a goal despite difficulties. It is associated with perseverance, resilience, and long-term achievement. Persistent behavior can be beneficial in tasks requiring deliberate, repeated action, while excessive persistence in maladaptive contexts may require intervention.