Difference Between Endurance and Perseverance

Key Difference – Endurance vs Perseverance
 

Although the words endurance and perseverance are similar, there is, in fact, a key difference between the two words. Endurance is experiencing or surviving the pain. Perseverance, however, is not merely experiencing pain or hardships in life but also going against these hardships in order to strive for excellence. In this sense, endurance is similar to a still movement of the individual, but perseverance is not. It is full of action. This article attempts to clarify the difference between endurance and perseverance  in detail.

What is Endurance?

Let us begin with the word endurance. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, endurance is experiencing or surviving pain or hardship. This is a form of tolerance. When we look at our lives, there have been instances where we had to endure pain. This could be for many reasons. For instance at the death of someone we love, we endure the pain and heartbreak that it brings about. Also in the case of unfair treatment or vicious conduct of others, we have to endure.

Endurance can be considered as a quality that makes the individual accept the situation and tolerate it. This usually does not include fighting against the situation, but accepting. For example, imagine a group of people who are treated bitterly by others and are often exploited. This group accepts their condition and is resigned to their position. Hence, they merely endure all the hardships of life.

Here are some examples of the word in sentences. Notice how it can be used as a verb with ‘endure’ and as a noun with ‘endurance.’

She endured all the hardships without complaint.

How can you endure such treatment?

Everyone was marveled by his endurance.

Their endurance was all they had in life.

What is Perseverance?

Now let us have a closer look at the word perseverance. Perseverance refers to continuing in spite of difficulty and lack of success. This gives the idea that although a person encounters failure in life; he does not give up, but tries hard to achieve his goals. Perseverance is a quality that can be extremely valuable to all of us if we cultivate it. It trains the individual not only to endure but also to continue their journey without giving up. The key difference between endurance and perseverance is that while endurance suggests mere tolerance of hardships in life, perseverance suggests going against these very hardships to succeed.

Here are some examples of how the word can be used in conversation.

It was solely his perseverance that brought him here.

Her perseverance led the way to her success.

What is the difference between Endurance and Perseverance?

Definitions of Endurance and Perseverance:

Endurance: Endurance is experiencing or surviving pain or hardship.

Perseverance: Perseverance refers to continuing in spite of difficulty and lack of success.

Characteristics of Endurance and Perseverance:

Situation:

Endurance: The individual accepts the situation and makes an attempt to tolerate the pain or hardships.

Perseverance: The individual accepts the situation, but does not give up on his belief to succeed.

Nature:

Endurance: Endurance indicates a certain stillness.

Perseverance: Perseverance indicates motion.