1. relating to or characterized by the tendency to repeat or dwell on the same thought, word, or action persistently, often involuntarily or excessively
Usage: commonly used in psychology, neurology, and education; often describes behavior that continues beyond what is appropriate or helpful

Examples

• The child's perseverative speech made it difficult for him to transition to new topics.
• Perseverative behavior is sometimes observed in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• The patient showed perseverative thinking, unable to move past the same worry.
• Her perseverative drawing of the same image suggested a need for more varied activities.
• Perseverative errors on the test indicated difficulty with cognitive flexibility.
• The therapist worked to reduce the client's perseverative rumination about past events.