Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Persevere \Per`se*vere"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Persevered}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Persevering}.] [F. pers['e]v['e]rer, L.
   perseverare, fr. perseverus very strict; per + severus
   strict, severe. See {Per-}, and {Severe}.]
   To persist in any business or enterprise undertaken; to
   pursue steadily any project or course begun; to maintain a
   purpose in spite of counter influences, opposition, or
   discouragement; not to give or abandon what is undertaken.

         Thrice happy, if they know Their happiness, and
         persevere upright.                       --Milton.

   Syn: To {Persevere}, {Continue}, {Persist}.

   Usage: The idea of not laying aside is common to these words.
          Continue is the generic term, denoting simply to do as
          one has done hitherto. To persevere is to continue in
          a given course in spite of discouragements, etc., from
          a desire to obtain our end. To persist is to continue
          from a determination of will not to give up. Persist
          is frequently used in a bad sense, implying obstinacy
          in pursuing an unworthy aim.

Source : WordNet®

persevere
     v : be persistent, refuse to stop; "he persisted to call me
         every night"; "The child persisted and kept asking
         questions" [syn: {persist}, {hang in}, {hang on}, {hold
         on}]