definition of
persist

[1] #1 persist v. [prevail, die hard, run, endure] continue to exist; "These stories die hard"; "The legend of Elvis endures". wn

[2] #2 persist v. [persevere, hang in, hang on, hold on] be persistent, refuse to stop; "he persisted to call me every night"; "The child persisted and kept asking questions". wn

[3] #3 persist v. [remain, stay] stay behind; "The smell stayed in the room"; "The hostility remained long after they made up". wn