importunate

/im'pɔ:tjunit/

Thân thiện

The importunate job applicant waited by the phone all afternoon.

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.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. expressing earnest entreaty
   • an importunate job applicant