Word: persistently (adverb)

Associations

"Persistently" means doing something in a steady and continuous way, even when it is difficult. It often has a positive connotation, showing determination and resilience.

• Example 1: "She persistently studied for her exams." This shows she kept studying, no matter how hard it was.
• Example 2: "He persistently asked questions until he understood." This means he kept asking without giving up.
• Example 3: "The rain fell persistently throughout the night." This indicates the rain continued without stopping.

A well-known synonym for "persistently" is "continuously." The main difference is that "persistently" often implies effort and determination, while "continuously" simply means something happens without interruption.

Substitution

Some other words or phrases you could use instead of "persistently" include:

• "steadily" (implies a constant pace)
• "relentlessly" (implies a more aggressive or intense effort)
• "constantly" (means happening all the time, but may not have the same determination)

Using "steadily" might suggest a calm approach, while "relentlessly" suggests a more forceful effort.

Deconstruction

The word "persistently" comes from the root word "persist," which means to continue firmly in a course of action. The suffix "-ently" turns the verb into an adverb, indicating the manner of action. The root "sist" comes from Latin "sistere," meaning to stand firm. This origin helps us understand that to persist is to stand firm in your efforts.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to do something persistently? What was it, and how did it feel?
• How might "persistently" be used in a negative context? Can you give an example?
• In what situations do you think it is important to be persistent? Why?