insist
/in'sist/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To demand something forcefully, not accepting refusal: To state a need or requirement firmly and persistently, often despite opposition.
- To state a fact or belief emphatically and assertively: To maintain or declare something to be true, often repeatedly or with conviction.
Usage
- The verb insist is typically followed by the preposition "on" or "upon" when introducing a demand or requirement (e.g., ).
- It can also be followed by a "that" clause, which may use the subjunctive mood (e.g., ).
- It is used to express strong determination or to emphasize the truth of a statement.
Examples
- Insist + on/upon:
- She insisted on paying for her own meal.
- The teacher insists upon punctuality from all students.
- Insist + that clause:
- He insisted that he was innocent. (Emphatic statement of belief)
- I insist that you stay for dinner. (Firm demand)
Advanced Usage
- "Insist on/upon + gerund (-ing form)": To demand that a specific action be taken.
- They insisted on seeing the manager to file a complaint.
- Used in formal or polite contexts to make a strong request:
- If you insist, I will have another piece of cake. (Often said in response to someone else's insistence.)
Variants and Related Words
- Insistence (noun): The quality of being insistent; a firm demand.
- Her insistence on quality made the project successful.
- Insistent (adjective): Persistent and forceful.
- He was insistent that we follow the new protocol.
Synonyms
- Demand: To ask for something forcefully.
- Assert: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
- Maintain: To state something strongly as true, especially in the face of opposition.
- Persist: To continue firmly in an opinion or course of action despite difficulty.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Insist" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is primarily conveyed with prepositions like "on" or "upon.")
Related Idioms
- "To insist on one's rights": To demand forcefully that one's legal or moral rights be respected.
- The citizens gathered to insist on their right to peaceful assembly.
- "If you insist": A polite, sometimes reluctant, way of agreeing to something after another person has been very persistent.
- "Have another drink." "Oh, well, if you insist."
Verb
- assert to be true
- The letter asserts a free society
- beg persistently and urgently
- I importune you to help them
- be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
- I must insist!