Vocabulary word Importune - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

High School 5

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Prefix im-

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Problematic and Annoying

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SAT 14 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

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Dictionary Definition of importune

To persistently and repeatedly ask or request something from someone, often in an insistent or annoying manner.
"Despite her refusal, he continued to importune her for a date."

Detailed Meaning of Importune

This verb is typically used to describe behavior that is considered intrusive, pushy, or demanding. Someone who importunes another person may be seeking a favor, asking for money, or attempting to persuade them to do something they are hesitant or unwilling to do. Importuning can range from polite requests to aggressive demands, and it is often considered a form of harassment when the person being asked feels pressured or uncomfortable. In some cases, importuning can also refer to the act of bothering or pestering someone with constant attention or contact, such as by repeatedly calling, texting, or showing up uninvited.

Example Sentences for Importune

1. She would often importune her parents for a new bike.
2. I don't want to importune you, but could you lend me some money?
3. The media continues to importune the celebrity for a response to the controversy.
4. He had no other choice but to importune his boss for a day off.
5. She tried not to importune him, but she really needed his help.
6. The children would importune their mother for sweets whenever they went shopping.

Origin and Etymology of Importune

The verb 'importune' has its origins in Latin and Old French. It is derived from the Latin word 'importunus,' which combines 'im,' meaning 'not,' and 'portus,' meaning 'harbor' or 'haven.' Originally, 'importune' referred to a ship or traveler in distress, seeking refuge in a harbor, and hence it came to mean 'inopportune' or 'inconvenient.' Over time, in Old French, it evolved to include the sense of persistent and troublesome requests or demands. Therefore, 'importune' etymologically conveys the idea of persistently and repeatedly asking or requesting something from someone, often in an insistent or annoying manner, akin to an unwelcome visitor repeatedly seeking refuge in a harbor. The etymology of 'importune' reflects its historical evolution from a nautical context to its contemporary usage to describe insistent and troublesome solicitations.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb importune:

discourage

deter

pester

repel

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Importune

1. The fans constantly importune the rockstar for autographs.
2. You should not importune the teacher for extra credit when you didn't do your homework.
3. I don't want to importune, but could you assist me with these bags?
4. They continued to importune the politician for a statement on the issue.
5. He was afraid to importune his supervisor for a raise.
6. It's not in my nature to importune, but I really need this favor.
7. The charity workers often importune passersby for donations.
8. The salesman tried to importune me into buying a car.
9. The journalist had to importune the secretive billionaire for an interview.
10. She didn't want to importune, but she had no other option.
11. It is discourteous to importune someone when they are clearly busy.
12. I must importune you to reconsider your decision.
13. The campaigners had to importune the public for their votes.
14. I really didn't want to importune you during your vacation, but it's an emergency.