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tenaciously

tenaciously

5 6.7
In a very determined way without giving up
  • adverb
  • /təˈneɪʃəsli/
translation icon : tenazmente
  • But there was a crowd persevering tenaciously at the altar until the priests finished receiving the offering.
  • clung tenaciously
  • tenaciously held
  • tenaciously defend

And, and I'll add one final point, Megan, it's worth remembering that the people who resisted Nazism most tenaciously in Germany were nearly all religious.

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Examples

  • Even with the passing of the first-generation immigrant, Irish Americans clung tenaciously to the faith.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Although his language and manners implied modesty so as not to offend, he held his convictions tenaciously.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Americans always held tenaciously to the hope that things were going to get better.

    Blog text (29)
  • And they stuck by their insane story tenaciously for about a month.

    Blog text (23)
  • How vociferously and tenaciously do you object?

    Academic text (2005)
  • Students at all levels formulate and refine ideas about phenomena and then tenaciously hold onto these ideas as eternal truths.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Both McDonald and Allen Hynek fought tenaciously against the acceptance of Condon's conclusions within the scientific community, but it was a losing battle.

  • Iraqi officials bargained tenaciously during the SOFA negotiations and extracted significant concessions from the United States.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Even in the Great Depression, many Americans clung tenaciously to their faith in upward mobility.

  • Iraqi officials bargained tenaciously during the SOFA negotiations and extracted significant concessions from the United States.

Synonyms

firmly
vstenaciously
92 1.0

In a strong way that shows you will not change your decision

emphasizes persistent sticking to a purpose rather than brief resolve
diligently
vstenaciously
38 4.1

In a careful and steady way that shows hard work

is firmer and more unyielding rather than careful effort
tirelessly
vstenaciously
27 3.5

In a way that shows steady energy and does not slow down

adds relentless firmness of purpose to the idea of not tiring
adamantly
vstenaciously
22 6.4

In a firm way that shows you refuse to change your mind

is more about ongoing, persevering firmness than mere inflexibility
steadfastly
vstenaciously
15 5.8

Firmly and without changing their mind

adds active persistence and unyielding effort to that firmness
resolutely
vstenaciously
14 4.4

In a firm and determined way without changing your mind

focuses more on persistent holding to a course without giving up
persistently
vstenaciously
14 3.8

In a determined way that keeps going despite problems

emphasizes unyielding firmness as well as continued effort
valiantly
vstenaciously
  • Formal
13 5.5

In a brave and determined way

is centered on persistent firmness and not only on courage
strenuously
vstenaciously
12 5.5

With great effort and determination

is more about sustained persistence rather than one intense effort
staunchly
vstenaciously
11 5.9

In a firm and loyal way showing strong support

stresses pure unyielding perseverance rather than loyal backing
doggedly
vstenaciously
8 6.7

In a way that shows strong determination and keeps trying without giving up

adds an unyielding firmness of purpose beyond mere persistence
determinedly
vstenaciously
4 3.8

In a way that shows strong will to keep trying

carries more of an unyielding, persevering quality
gamely
vstenaciously
4 6.8

In a brave way that keeps trying when things are difficult

focuses more on relentless, unyielding effort rather than spirited bravery
stoutly
vstenaciously
2 5.2

In a firm and determined way

adds a sharper sense of persistent, unyielding drive to firmness
toughly
vstenaciously
1 5.4

In a strong, firm way that shows determination

focuses more on enduring, unyielding perseverance than on raw toughness
stalwartly
vstenaciously
1 7.4

In a strong, loyal, and determined way

focuses more on singleminded persistence than on support or loyalty
indefatigably
vstenaciously
  • Formal
1 8.5

Without getting tired and not giving up

adds an element of unyielding firmness beyond mere endless energy
pertinaciously
vstenaciously
  • Formal
9.1

In a determined and stubborn way that does not give up

is firm perseverance with unyielding purpose rather than mere stubbornness
perseveringly
vstenaciously
6.8

In a steady, determined way without giving up when things are difficult

adds a sense of uncompromising firmness to steady effort
grittily
vstenaciously
6.7

In a brave, determined way when things are difficult

is more about holding on persistently than demonstrating toughness
pluckily
vstenaciously
8.1

In a brave and determined way when facing difficulty

leans more toward steady, unyielding perseverance than bold courage
indomitably
vstenaciously
8.7

In a way that keeps trying and never gives up

is more about steady, unyielding perseverance than invincibility
unflaggingly
vstenaciously
7.2

In a way that keeps working without getting tired

emphasizes unyielding, gripping persistence rather than constant energy alone

Antonyms

14 3.2

In a slow, unsure way because of doubt

With an unsteady, unsure voice or movement that shows doubt

How Determined

relentlessly
53 4.9
tenaciously
5 6.7
persistently
14 3.8
determinedly
4 3.8
hesitantly
14 3.2

Surface Forms

tenaciously positive
tenaciouslier comparative
tenaciousliest superlative

Morphology

tenaciously = tenacious (transparent) = tenacious + ly

Standard adverb formation by adding '-ly' to the adjective 'tenacious'; the meaning 'in a persistent manner' is directly derived.

Etymology

The word tenaciously comes from the Latin word tenax, from tenere, which means 'to hold'. You can see the same idea in English words like retain and tenant that also mean to 'hold', so to act tenaciously is to 'hold on' firmly and not give up.