What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tenacity
Example
Her tenacity in pursuing her dreams is truly admirable. [tenacity: noun]
Example
He showed great tenacity in finishing the marathon despite the injury. [tenacity: noun]
persistence
Example
His persistence in finding a job paid off eventually. [persistence: noun]
Example
She persisted in her efforts to learn a new language, even when it seemed difficult. [persisted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Persistence is more commonly used than tenacity in everyday language. Persistence is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tenacity is less common and refers to a specific type of determination.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tenacity and persistence?
Both tenacity and persistence can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tenacity may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.
