insist

American  

[in-sist] / ɪnˈsɪst /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of insist

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 )

Example Sentences

Who wouldn’t want to live out the rest of their days in a state they insist is beyond anything Carol or others like her can presently imagine?

From Salon

Jamie insists there are reasons to be positive about the next few years for breweries in Scotland.

From BBC

Still, he insists the future will be better there.

From BBC

However, things turn rapidly chaotic when Malcolm's parents insist that everyone attends a special anniversary event.

From BBC

He insisted that in the multicultural town "people cross cultural barriers every day".

From Barron's

Related Words

• assert
• contend
• demand
• hold
• maintain
• press
• reiterate
• repeat
• request
• stand firm
• urge
• vow