importune
Beginner (A1)
IPA: /ɪmˈpɔː.tʃuːn/
KK: /ɪmˈpɔr.tʃuːn/
adjective
Definition
Not available
Example
Not available
Conversation
I had to deal with some really importune requests at work today.
That sounds frustrating! What were they asking for?
They kept pushing for changes last minute, which was so annoying.
Ugh, that can really throw off your whole schedule.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
insistent
demanding
pressing
Antonyms
unassertive
submissive
yielding
intransitive verb
Definition
To ask someone for something in a way that is annoying or persistent.
Example
She continued to importune her friends for help with her project.
Tense Forms
Past: importuned
Past Participle: importuned
Conversation
I can't believe how much my little brother importunes me for video games.
Really? What does he say?
He just keeps asking me over and over until I finally agree.
transitive verb
Definition
To ask someone for something in a way that is urgent and persistent, often to the point of annoyance.
Example
She would importune her friends for help with her project every weekend.
Tense Forms
Past: importuned
Past Participle: importuned
Conversation
I can't believe how often he importunes me for favors.
Yeah, it can be really annoying sometimes.
I wish he would just take a hint and stop asking so much.
Root Explanation
Importune → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "portare" (meaning to carry). The word originally described the act of carrying a burden that is unwelcome or excessive, hence to demand or request insistently.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who is 'not' ('in-') willing to 'carry' ('portare') a burden, which helps you remember that to importune means to insistently demand or request something.
Visually Confused Words
reimportune
unimportuned
unimportunate
inopportune