persistently
UK[pəˈsɪstəntli]US[pərˈsɪstəntli]
adv
in a way that continues to exist or happen, especially for longer than is usual or desirable
adv
in a determined way despite difficulty or opposition
Morpheme Breakdown
per
sist
ently
per
through
sist
stand
ently
adverb suffix
Etymology
the adverb 'persistently' is built upon the latin verb 'persistere', meaning 'to continue steadfastly'. this verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 'per-' ('through', 'thoroughly') and 'sistere' ('to stand', 'to take a stand'). the core imagery is of standing firmly through something, refusing to yield or move. over time, this literal sense of standing through evolved into the modern abstract meanings of continuing obstinately in a course of action or enduring tenaciously over a prolonged period. the english suffix '-ently' is added to the adjective 'persistent' to form the adverb describing the manner of this enduring action.
Analysis
Structure: per (through) + sist (stand) + ently (adverb suffix)
per (latin prefix, meaning 'through', 'thoroughly'); sist (latin root from 'sistere', meaning 'to stand', 'to place'); ently (english suffix combining '-ent' (adjective-forming) and '-ly' (adverb-forming), indicating manner)
Examples
the rain fell persistently throughout the night.
she persistently asked for an explanation until she received one.
he has been persistently optimistic despite all the setbacks.