{"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 is a combination of per- meaning through and severus meaning severe or stern, and the verb -are ending. It entered English around 1900 as a psychological term describing 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":"2026-10-06T02:46:32.178Z","cached":false}