Concept:Inflation refers to a sustained rise in the general price level over a long period.
Explanation:Inflation is not a temporary or short-term price change.
It means prices of goods and services keep rising continuously.
A cyclical increase is linked to business cycles, not inflation.
A periodic increase happens at regular intervals, which is not the same.
An occasional increase means prices rise only sometimes.
The key word is “persistent”, which means a continuous and lasting increase.
Therefore, inflation is best defined as a persistent increase in prices.
Answer:C. Persistent increase in prices.