PERSEVERATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does perseveration mean? 

• PERSEVERATION (noun)
  The noun PERSEVERATION has 2 senses:

1. the tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for it

2. the act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior

  Familiarity information: PERSEVERATION used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PERSEVERATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The tendency for a memory or idea to persist or recur without any apparent stimulus for it

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Hypernyms ("perseveration" is a kind of...):

disposition; inclination; tendency (an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others)

Derivation:

persevere (be persistent, refuse to stop)

Sense 2

Meaning:

The act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

perseverance; perseveration; persistence

Context example:

his perseveration continued to the point where it was no longer appropriate

Hypernyms ("perseveration" is a kind of...):

continuance; continuation (the act of continuing an activity without interruption)

Derivation:

perseverate (psychology: repeat a response after the cessation of the original stimulus)

persevere (be persistent, refuse to stop)