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perseveration Meaning & Definition

/pəˌsɛvəˈɹeɪʃən/

What Does Perseveration Mean?

Perseveration is used as a noun meaning An uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by a brain injury or other organic disorder. It can also mean The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.

Quick Facts About Perseveration

Part of speechnoun
Pronunciation/pəˌsɛvəˈɹeɪʃən/
Synonymsperseverance and persistence
Pluralperseverations

Perseveration Definition (Noun)

  1. An uncontrollable repetition of a particular response, such as a word, phrase, or gesture, despite the absence or cessation of a stimulus, usually caused by a brain injury or other organic disorder.
  2. The tendency to continue or repeat an act or activity after the cessation of the original stimulus.
  3. The act or an instance of persevering; perseverance.
  4. An argument by repetition; a mantra.

Synonyms of Perseveration

Perseveration synonyms and antonyms →

Word Forms & Grammar

perseveration (countable and uncountable, plural perseverations)

Origin of Perseveration

Inherited from Middle English perseveracioun, from Old French perseveracion, or directly from its etymon Latin perseverationem, from persevērō (“to continue, to persist”). Doublet of persevere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perseveration

What part of speech is perseveration?

Perseveration is a noun.

What is another word for perseveration?

You can replace perseveration with words such as perseverance and persistence. See the full list of perseveration synonyms and antonyms.

What is the plural of perseveration?

The plural of perseveration is perseverations.

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