importune
What does "importune" mean?
To importune means to ask someone for something in a persistent, pressing, or even annoying way. Imagine someone tugging at your sleeve repeatedly, refusing to take "no" for an answer, or a salesperson who follows you around the store despite your clear lack of interest. While it shares the meaning of "begging," it implies a sense of urgency or badgering that can feel intrusive. It is most often used in formal writing or when describing someone whose demands have become tiresome or overly aggressive.
"importune" in conversation
Office politics
The interns keep importuning me for extra credit on their projects.
The interns keep importuning me for extra credit on their projects.
Tell them the deadline is final and to stop asking.
Tell them the deadline is final and to stop asking.
Used to describe persistent, unwanted requests.
Street encounter
I felt bad for the man, but he continued to importune us for money even after we walked away.
I felt bad for the man, but he continued to importune us for money even after we walked away.
It's best to just keep walking in those situations.
It's best to just keep walking in those situations.
Highlights the intrusive nature of the request.
"importune" in a sentence
He did not wish to importune his busy manager with trivial questions.
He did not wish to importune his busy manager with trivial questions.
The lobbyists continued to importune the senators until the bill was finally amended.
The lobbyists continued to importune the senators until the bill was finally amended.
She found herself importuned by creditors at every turn, leaving her with no peace of mind.
She found herself importuned by creditors at every turn, leaving her with no peace of mind.
