N144/187

あくまでも

あくまでも + Verb (dictionary form)あくまでも + い-adjectiveあくまでも + な-adjectiveあくまでも + NounSubject + は + あくまでも + 〜だ/です

Meanings

  • To the (bitter) end
  • Stubbornly
  • Persistently
  • Frustratingly insistently (in some contexts)

About this pattern

Explanation

あくまでも expresses a firm, unwavering stance or commitment. It adds a nuance of stubborn persistence or a principled, uncompromising attitude, often in the face of opposition or difficulties. It is not a casual, casual concession; it signals that one’s stance or intention will not be loosened or revised, even if others disagree. It can carry a slight emphasis on personal resolve or the speaker’s strong adherence to a belief or plan. In everyday use, it often appears before verbs or predicates to stress doing something to the very end, or before a claim to underline that the statement reflects the speaker’s firm position (often with slight defensiveness or formality). Typical contexts include: sticking with a plan or belief, insisting on one’s opinion, or clarifying that a judgement is personal/definitive. Examples below illustrate its versatile use.