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importunity

[im-pawr-too-ni-tee, -tyoo-]
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noun, plural im·por·tu·ni·ties for 2.
  1. the state or quality of being importunate; persistence in solicitation.
  2. importunities, importunate solicitations or demands.
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Origin of importunity

1425–75; late Middle English importunite < Latin importūnitās. See importune, -ity
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

emphasispersistenceurgingseriousnesspressurenecessitydesperationclaimrequirementusesaletradeapplicationcallinterestinsistenceneedappealorderwish

Examples from the Web for importunity

Historical Examples

  • This is the importunity He teaches, and we must learn: to claim and take the blessing.

    The Ministry of Intercession

    Andrew Murray

  • That was importunity, that would rather die than not have his people given him.

  • In the former you have the importunity that claims and receives an immediate answer.

  • "Supposed to mind their own business," said Hal, exasperated with the man's importunity.

  • But he persevered in his request, and wrung from him by his importunity what his deserts could not get.

Word Origin and History for importunity

n.

early 15c., "persistence, insistence; over-eagerness," from Middle French importunité (14c.), from Latin importunitatem (nominative importunitas) "unsuitableness; unmannerliness, incivility," from importunus "unfit, troublesome" (see importune).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper