insist

[in-sist]

verb (used without object)

1. to be emphatic, firm, or resolute on some matter of desire, demand, intention, etc..

   He insists on checking every shipment.

2. to lay emphasis in assertion.

   to insist on the justice of a claim.

3. to dwell with earnestness or emphasis (usually followed by on orupon ).

   to insist on a point in a discussion.

verb (used with object)

1. to assert or maintain firmly.

   He insists that he saw the ghosts.

2. to demand or persist in demanding.

   I insist that you see this thing through.

   Synonyms: require, urge

insist

/ ɪnˈsɪst /

verb

1. to make a determined demand (for)

   he insisted that his rights be respected

   he insisted on his rights

2. to express a convinced belief (in) or assertion (of)

   he insisted that she was mad

   he insisted on her madness

Other Word Forms

• insister noun
• insistingly adverb
• overinsist verb (used without object)
• reinsist verb (used without object)
• superinsist verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of insist¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin insistere “to stand still on, persist in,” from in- in- ² + sistere “to cause to stand, stop” ( stand )

Word History and Origins

Origin of insist¹

C16: from Latin insistere to stand upon, urge, from _in- ² + sistere to stand

Example Sentences

“If the U.S. insists on its own way, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing on Monday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he has "full confidence" in his national security adviser, telling broadcasters: "He is doing an excellent job."

Read more on BBC

When he realizes she’s serious about leaving and taking the children with her, he insists he’s willing to change—a promise that the audience, and Kay, knows is unredeemable.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They insist that somewhere around the 1970s, the American middle class was hollowed out.

Read more on MarketWatch

Downing Street has insisted the decision to drop charges was made by the CPS, with no ministers or members of the government involved.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• assert 
• contend 
• demand 
• hold 
• maintain 
• press 
• reiterate 
• repeat 
• request 
• stand firm www.thesaurus.com
• urge 
• vow