persistently

Persistently is an adverb used to describe actions carried out in a persistent or steady manner, especially in the face of difficulty, opposition, or delay. It characterizes how something is done rather than what is done, often implying perseverance, insistence, or repeated effort. The nuance can be positive, indicating diligence, or negative, conveying annoyance when someone presses for a result.

Etymology: It derives from persistent, which comes from Latin persistere "to stand through" from per- "through" + sistere "to stand." The adverbial suffix -ly forms persistently.

Usage: In formal and informal prose, persistently appears before a verb: press persistently, nag persistently, remind persistently. It is common in reports, journalism, and literature to convey steadiness of action or tenacity. It can also carry a cautionary tone when describing unwelcome insistence.

Examples: The journalist pressed persistently for comment. The committee was approached persistently by several groups. She studied persistently, eventually achieving high marks. The door was knocked on persistently until someone answered.

Related terms: persistent, persistence, perseverance. The adverb is often used to contrast continuous effort with intermittent or sporadic behavior, helping to emphasize the tenacity or relentlessness of an action.

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