Definition

Verb: 1. To continue moving forward, especially with determination or effort: To proceed or advance despite difficulties, obstacles, or fatigue. 2. To continue doing something persistently: To carry on with a task or activity without stopping.

Usage

The verb "press on" is used to describe the action of continuing a journey, task, or effort, often when it requires perseverance. It implies a sense of purpose and determination. It is typically followed by an adverb (e.g., press on regardless) or a prepositional phrase indicating direction or purpose (e.g., press on toward the goal).

Examples

• Verb:
  • Despite the heavy rain, the hikers decided to press on to the summit.
  • We are tired, but we must press on with the project to meet the deadline.
  • The explorers pressed on through the dense jungle.

Advanced Usage

• "to press on regardless": to continue despite problems or warnings.
  • The warnings were clear, but he chose to press on regardless.
• "to press on with something": to continue doing a specific task.
  • The team pressed on with the negotiations late into the night.

Variants and Related Words

• Press forward (phrasal verb): Similar meaning, to continue moving or progressing.
  • We need to press forward with our plans.
• Persevere (verb): To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.
  • She persevered until she finally succeeded.

Synonyms

• Continue
• Proceed
• Persist
• Carry on
• Forge ahead

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Push on: Very similar to "press on," meaning to continue a journey or task.
  • It's getting late, but we should push on to the next town.

Related Idioms

• Keep on keeping on: To continue persistently, especially through hard times. (This is a more informal idiom with a similar spirit to "press on.")
  • When things get tough, you just have to keep on keeping on.

Verb

1. continue moving forward