importunate
/im'pɔ:tjunit/
Definition
Adjective: 1. Persistently demanding or requesting in an annoying or troublesome way: Describes someone or something that makes repeated, insistent, and often inconvenient requests or demands. 2. Troublesomely urgent or pressing: Describes a request, demand, or situation that is annoyingly persistent and difficult to ignore.
Usage
The word "importunate" is a formal adjective used to characterize a person's behavior or the nature of their requests. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the persistence has become bothersome or excessive.
Examples
- The importunate salesman refused to leave the doorstep.
- She was tired of his importunate demands for attention.
- He ignored the importunate knocking at his office door.
Advanced Usage
- "Importunate appeals": Repeated and pressing requests for help or support, often to the point of being a nuisance.
- The charity was overwhelmed by importunate appeals following the disaster.
- "Importunate in one's inquiries": Being annoyingly persistent in asking questions.
- The journalist was importunate in her inquiries, leaving the official no peace.
Variants and Related Words
- Importune (verb): To harass with persistent requests or demands; to beg persistently and urgently.
- He would importune his friends for loans.
- Importunity (noun): The quality of being importunate; persistent solicitation or demanding.
- He finally gave in to their importunity.
Synonyms
- Persistent: Continuing firmly in a course of action despite difficulty.
- Insistent: Demanding something forcefully, not allowing refusal.
- Nagging: Persistently annoying or finding fault.
- Pressing: Requiring quick or immediate action; urgent.
Antonyms
- Unobtrusive: Not conspicuous or attracting attention.
- Undemanding: Not requiring much effort or attention.
- Easygoing: Relaxed and tolerant in attitude.
Related Phrases
- To be importunate for something: To be persistently and annoyingly eager to obtain something.
- The child was importunate for a new toy.
Adjective
-
expressing earnest entreaty
-
an importunate job applicant
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ tương tự
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "importunate"
Từ có nhắc đến "importunate"
