Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| perseveranza | /per.se.veˈran.t͡sa/ | feminine |
| tenacia | /teˈna.t͡ʃa/ | feminine |
| persistenza | /per.sisˈtɛn.t͡sa/ | feminine |
Use perseveranza to describe the positive virtue of steady effort and determination in the face of difficulty. Use tenacia to emphasize determination and grit. Use persistenza when referring to the continuous existence or duration of something, such as in technical, scientific or computing contexts like data persistence. Additionally, the word costanza can be used to convey persistence, though it primarily translates to constancy or steadiness.
Which one should you use?
tenacia is a formal term that emphasizes determination and grit. persistenza is often used in technical, scientific or computing contexts to describe the continuous existence or duration of something (e.g., data persistence).
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this noun are feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/per.se.veˈran.tsa/. The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- While perseveranza is a noble virtue, if you describe a person as having persistenza in a social context, it might sound like you are accusing them of being annoyingly stubborn or refusing to give up a point.
- If you want to praise someone's grit in a sports context, you might use grinta instead of tenacia to sound more natural and high-energy.
- The word tenacia shares a root with the Italian verb tenere, meaning 'to hold'. It literally evokes the image of someone gripping a goal tightly and refusing to let go.
Examples in context
- Ieri ho realizzato che la persistenza paga.Yesterday, I realized that persistence pays off.This sentence demonstrates the use of persistenza in a general sense regarding its payoff.Tatoeba #13499751 by Nuel, translation #13499750 by Nuel
- La perseveranza paga.Persistence pays off.This sentence shows how perseveranza is used to describe the virtue of persistence.Tatoeba #4507650 by Guybrush88, translation #4501358 by CK
- La perseveranza pagherà.Persistence will pay off.This sentence uses the future tense to show how perseveranza will pay off.Tatoeba #4507652 by Guybrush88, translation #4501352 by CK
- La sua perseveranza nei confronti del progetto è ammirevole.His/Her persistence towards the project is admirable.
- La costanza nel perseguire i suoi obiettivi è ciò che lo distingue.The persistence in pursuing his goals is what sets him apart.
- Sono dovuto perseverare molto, ma alla fine ce l'ho fatta!I had to persist a lot, but in the end, I made it!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are discussing his recent professional success.
- ChiaraComplimenti per la promozione, Lorenzo!Congratulations on the promotion, Lorenzo!
- LorenzoGrazie, Chiara, è stato un percorso difficile.Thanks, Chiara, it has been a difficult path.
- ChiaraLa tua perseveranza è stata la chiave del successo.Your persistence was the key to success.
- LorenzoSpero di continuare a lavorare con la stessa dedizione.I hope to continue working with the same dedication.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “persistence” translations and entries perseveranza, tenacia, persistenza, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
