Definition

Someone who is annoyingly persistent in asking for something or making demands.

Example

The importunate salesman wouldn't take no for an answer and kept calling me.

Conversation

Have you noticed how importunate some of our classmates are about getting help?

Yeah, it can be a bit overwhelming at times.

I understand wanting to do well, but being importunate doesn't always help their case.

Right? A little patience goes a long way in group projects.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Importunate → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "portare" (meaning to carry) combined with the suffix "-ate" (indicating a state or quality). The word describes a state of being not able to carry on without persistent demands or requests, hence being troublesome or overly insistent.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'not able to carry on' without making persistent demands — that's why importunate means being overly insistent.

Visually Confused Words