Determination vs. Persistence: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on November 1, 2023
Determination is the firmness of purpose; Persistence is the continuous effort despite obstacles.
Key Differences
Determination refers to the resolute mindset someone might have towards achieving a particular goal. It is the inner drive or conviction that motivates an individual to pursue a desired outcome. Persistence, on the other hand, pertains to the consistent actions and efforts taken over time, even in the face of challenges, to attain a goal. Determination fuels the spirit, while persistence translates that spirit into tangible actions.
While Determination is the mental commitment and decision to achieve something, Persistence is the demonstration of that commitment through continuous effort. Someone might be determined to learn a new instrument; they have made up their mind about it. However, it is through persistence, practicing day after day, that they will eventually master it. Determination sets the direction, while persistence ensures the journey continues.
Both Determination and Persistence are essential for success in any long-term endeavor. Without determination, one might lack the clarity or the desire to see a project through. Conversely, without persistence, the initial determination might fizzle out at the first sign of difficulty. It's a balance between the mind's conviction (Determination) and the body's sustained actions (Persistence).
Though they might seem similar and are often used interchangeably, Determination and Persistence have distinct nuances. Determination can be seen as the starting point, the catalyst for any journey or project. It's the reason "why" someone embarks on a particular path. Persistence, meanwhile, is the "how," the day-to-day grind, and the overcoming of obstacles that ensures the path is followed to its conclusion.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Mental conviction or decision.
Sustained action over time.
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Origin
Internal mindset or drive.
Demonstration of commitment.
Relationship with Time
Can be immediate or momentary.
Requires extended period.
Response to Challenges
Provides reason to overcome.
Actual effort in overcoming.
End Result
Initiates action or journey.
Ensures completion of journey or task.
Determination and Persistence Definitions
Determination
A strong will to achieve something.
Her determination to win was evident.
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Persistence
The act of continuing firmly in a course of action.
His persistence paid off when he finally got the job.
Determination
Firmness in carrying out a decision.
With determination, she pursued her dreams.
Persistence
Steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period.
Thanks to her persistence, she mastered the piano.
Determination
The quality of being resolute or firm in purpose.
His determination was his most admirable trait.
Persistence
Continuance in a state, especially in spite of opposition.
Despite challenges, his persistence remained unbroken.
Determination
Firmness of purpose; resolve
Approached the task with determination.
Persistence
Tenacity in purpose or endeavor.
The athlete's persistence led him to the championship.
Determination
A fixed intention or resolution
Returned to school with a determination to finish.
Persistence
The act of persisting.
Determination
The ascertaining or fixing of the quantity, quality, position, or character of something
A determination of the ship's longitude.
A determination of the universe's mass.
Persistence
The state or quality of being persistent; persistency.
Determination
The result of such ascertaining.
Persistence
Continuance of an effect after the cause is removed
Persistence of vision.
Determination
The act of making or arriving at a decision
After long determination, she decided to move to Utah.
Persistence
The property of being persistent.
You've got to admire her persistence. She's asked him out every day for a month even though she keeps turning him down.
Determination
The decision reached
It is my determination to sell the house.
Persistence
(computer science) Of data, the property of continuing to exist after the termination of the program.
Once written to a disk file, the data has persistence: it will still be there tomorrow when we run the next program.
Determination
The settling of a question or case by an authoritative decision or pronouncement, especially by a judicial body
The choice of a foster home was left to the determination of the court.
Persistence
(meteorology) Continuation of the previous day's weather (particularly temperature and precipitation statistics).
Determination
The decision or pronouncement made.
Persistence
(mathematics) The number of times an operation can be iteratively applied to a number before it reaches a permanently constant state.
2=The persistence of the number 39 under the operation of multiplying the digits of the number is three, because 3x9 = 27, 2x7 = 14, and 1x4 = 4, and no further iterations will change the number again.
Determination
The bringing about of a result or outcome
The determination of hair color by the genes.
Persistence
The quality or state of being persistent; staying or continuing quality; hence, in an unfavorable sense, doggedness; obstinacy.
Determination
(Archaic) A fixed movement or tendency toward an object or end.
Persistence
The continuance of an effect after the cause which first gave rise to it is removed
Determination
The defining of a concept through its constituent elements.
Persistence
The property of a continuous and connected period of time
Determination
The qualification of a concept or proposition to render it more definite or specific.
Persistence
Persistent determination
Determination
The act of determining, or the state of being determined.
Through sheer determination, we managed to escape from the tornado.
Persistence
The act of persisting or persevering; continuing or repeating behavior;
His perseveration continued to the point where it was no longer appropriate
Determination
Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion.
Determination
The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness.
Determination
(countable) The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy.
Determination
(countable) That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution.
Determination
A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part
A determination of blood to the head
Determination
(countable) The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.
The determination of the wavelength of light
The determination of the level of salt in sea water
The determination of the oxygen in the air
Determination
The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents.
Determination
The addition of a distinguishing feature to a concept or notion, thus limiting its extent.
Determination
The act of determining the relations of an object, such as genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification
I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells.
Determination
Bringing to an end; termination; limit.
Determination
The act of determining, or the state of being determined.
Determination
Bringing to an end; termination; limit.
A speedy determination of that war.
Determination
Direction or tendency to a certain end; impulsion.
Remissness can by no means consist with a constant determination of the will . . . to the greatest apparent good.
Determination
The quality of mind which reaches definite conclusions; decision of character; resoluteness.
He only is a well-made man who has a good determination.
Determination
The state of decision; a judicial decision, or ending of controversy.
Determination
That which is determined upon; result of deliberation; purpose; conclusion formed; fixed resolution.
So bloodthirsty a determination to obtain convictions.
Determination
A flow, rush, or tendency to a particular part; as, a determination of blood to the head.
Determination
The act, process, or result of any accurate measurement, as of length, volume, weight, intensity, etc.; as, the determination of the ohm or of the wave length of light; the determination of the salt in sea water, or the oxygen in the air.
Determination
The act of defining a concept or notion by giving its essential constituents.
Determination
The act of determining the relations of an object, as regards genus and species; the referring of minerals, plants, or animals, to the species to which they belong; classification; as, I am indebted to a friend for the determination of most of these shells.
Determination
The act of determining the properties of something
Determination
The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose
Determination
A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration;
A decision unfavorable to the opposition
His conclusion took the evidence into account
Satisfied with the panel's determination
Determination
The act of making up your mind about something;
The burden of decision was his
He drew his conclusions quickly
Determination
The act of deciding something resolutely.
The determination to finish the race kept him going.
Determination
The resolution of a question or matter.
The determination of the case was fair.
FAQs
Are determination and persistence always positive traits?
Mostly, but excessive persistence can be counterproductive, and misguided determination can lead to negative outcomes.
Which comes first, determination or persistence?
Typically, determination is the initial mindset, followed by persistence in action.
What is determination?
Determination is the firmness of purpose or the resolute mindset towards achieving a goal.
Can someone have determination but lack persistence?
Yes, one can be resolute in decision (determination) but falter in sustained action (persistence).
Is persistence about repeating the same actions?
Not necessarily. It's about continuous effort, which might require adapting or changing tactics.
How is persistence defined?
Persistence is the continuous effort made over time, regardless of challenges.
Can one be too determined?
Yes, excessive determination without flexibility can blind one to better alternatives or solutions.
Are determination and persistence innate or learned traits?
Both can be innate but can also be cultivated and strengthened over time.
How can one improve their determination?
By setting clear goals, understanding one's "why," and fostering self-belief.
Can persistence lead to burnout?
Yes, if not balanced with self-care and reflection, excessive persistence can lead to burnout.
Can determination change over time?
Yes, experiences or new information can reshape or reinforce one's determination.
Is determination an emotion?
It's more of a mindset or conviction, though it can be fueled by emotions like passion or ambition.
Does persistence guarantee success?
While persistence increases the likelihood of success, it doesn't guarantee it due to external factors.
What's the opposite of persistence?
Quitting or giving up easily.
How is persistence related to resilience?
Persistence is about consistent effort, while resilience is about bouncing back from setbacks. Both are complementary.
Can determination be momentary?
Yes, one can have a sudden surge of determination, but its longevity depends on various factors.
Why is determination important?
It provides direction and motivation to initiate and sustain actions towards a goal.
How do determination and persistence relate to goals?
Determination sets the intention for a goal, while persistence ensures continued effort towards achieving it.
Can determination and persistence coexist?
Absolutely, and they often complement each other in the journey towards achieving a goal.
What challenges might persistence face?
Obstacles, discouragement, external pressures, or a lack of immediate results can challenge persistence.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
