English Reference
Adverb

persistently

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /pɝˈsɪstəntɫi/ UK /pəsˈɪstəntli/ per·sis·tent·ly

adv.to do something again and again, even if it is difficult or if people try to stop you.

adv.continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; occurring repeatedly over a prolonged period.


SIMPLE

He persistently asked for a promotion until he got one.

CONTEXTUAL

The local community has persistently campaigned for a new library despite several budget cuts from the city council.

COMPLEX

The witness persistently maintained her version of events throughout the cross-examination, refusing to be rattled by the defense attorney's aggressive questioning.

Usage

Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause to emphasize duration and effort.

Pitfall
He is persistently to call me.He persistently calls me.

Learners sometimes use 'persistently' with an infinitive like an adjective; it should modify the main verb directly.

But the fact that Fifa has been forced to mitigate for its president’s actions is another humiliation for a persistently scandal-hit organisation.

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026

However, the results indicated the opposite: Feelings of emotional support were less likely to be associated with positive thinking and more likely to be associated with persistently dwelling on negative thoughts.

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026

From persistent + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated