# persistently

/pɝˈsɪstəntɫi/ (US) · /pəsˈɪstəntli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/persistently
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- He persistently asked for a promotion until he got one.
- The local community has persistently campaigned for a new library despite several budget cuts from the city council.
- The witness persistently maintained her version of events throughout the cross-examination, refusing to be rattled by the defense attorney's aggressive questioning.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is persistently to call me." but "He persistently calls me." — Learners sometimes use 'persistently' with an infinitive like an adjective; it should modify the main verb directly.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.