{"word":"perseverate","date":"2026-10-05","partOfSpeech":"verb","pronunciation":"per-SEV-uh-rayt","definition":"to intently focus one's attention on a thought or thoughts","example":"They teach that there is no use in perseverating about past regrets.","etymology":"The word perseverate comes from Latin perseverare, which means to persist or persevere, and is derived from perseverus, meaning persistent or steadfast, with roots in per- meaning through and severus meaning severe. The term perseverate entered English around 1900 in psychological contexts to describe the repetition of a thought or behavior.","source":"merriam-webster","sourceUrl":"https://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/perseverate-2026-10-05","fetchedAt":"2026-10-05T12:40:44.180Z","cached":false}