Keep at Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Steady Persistence Used to express continuous effort despite difficulties. Even when the math problems were tough, she kept at it. Pro Tip 2/3Encouragement Phrase Often used to motivate someone to maintain their focus or effort. You're almost there, just keep at it! Pro Tip 3/3Determination Highlights a person's determination when facing challenges. He kept at his invention, despite the failed tests.