persistently
Meaning
in a way that continues to exist or happen, especially for longer than is usual or desirable
in a determined way despite difficulty or opposition
Structure
Usage
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.
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
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)