Definition
To urge or beg someone persistently or annoyingly, especially for something that they may not want to give or do.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of speech
Verb
Synonyms
Pester, harass, badger, hound, beseech, implore, beg, plead, solicit.
Antonyms
Aid, assist, comfort, help, support.
Example sentences
- The persistent beggar importuned passers-by for money every day.
- He wouldn’t stop importuning her until she agreed to go on a date with him.
- The salesman kept importuning me to buy the product, even though I said I wasn’t interested.
- She importuned the boss for a raise, but her request was denied.
Usage
The verb “importune” is often used to describe the act of persistently or annoyingly requesting something from someone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally considered a more formal word. It is often used with the preposition “for” to indicate what is being requested.
The word “importune” comes from the Latin word “importunus,” meaning “unfriendly” or “unaccommodating.” The suffix “-une” is derived from the Latin “-unus,” which means “full of” or “having the qualities of.” The prefix “im-” in “importune” means “not,” “into,” or “upon,” and it is often used to intensify the meaning of the root word.
There are several variations of the word “importune,” including “importunacy,” which means the act of importuning or being importuned, and “importunate,” which means insistent or persistent in making a request. The noun form of “importune” is “importunity,” which refers to a persistent request or demand.
In conclusion, “importune” is a verb used to describe the act of urging or begging someone persistently or annoyingly, especially for something they may not want to give or do. Its variations include “importunacy,” “importunate,” and “importunity,” and it is often used with the preposition “for.” The word’s prefix, suffix, and root provide insight into its meaning and usage
