Perseverance, n.
Etymology: [F. persévérance, L. perseverantia.]
1. The act of persevering; persistence in anything undertaken; continued pursuit or prosecution of any business, or enterprise begun. "The king-becoming graces . . . perseverance, mercy, lowliness." Shak. Whose constant perseverance overcame Whate'er his cruel malice could invent. Milton.
2. Discrimination. [Obs.] Sir J. Harrington.
3. (Theol.)
Continuance in a state of grace until it is succeeded by a state of glory; sometimes called final perseverance, and the perseverance of the saints. See Calvinism.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Persistence; steadfastness; constancy; steadiness; pertinacity.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for perseverance; he lists it under industry.
Where he writes about it:
Patience works on in spite of annoyances; perseverance overcomes hindrances and difficulties; persistence strives relentlessly against opposition; persistence has very frequently an unfavorable meaning, implying that one persists in spite of considerations that should induce him to desist. — from industry
Labor and pains refer to the exertions of the worker and the tax upon him, while assiduity, perseverance, etc., refer to his continuance in the work. — from industry