insist

[ in-sist ]

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 or upon ):

   to insist on a point in a discussion.

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

/ 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 on her madness

   he insisted that she was mad

Derived Forms

• inˈsister, noun
• inˈsistingly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·sister noun
• in·sisting·ly adverb
• over·in·sist verb (used without object)
• rein·sist verb (used without object)
• super·in·sist verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of insist¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of insist¹

C16: from Latin insistere to stand upon, urge, from in- ² + sistere to stand

Example Sentences

Sources close to the talks insist an agreement is now very close.

From BBC

Members of the paramilitary force insist their cause is a righteous continuance of resistance to British rule extending back to the Norman invasion in the 12th century.

From Salon

But as the disclaimer attached to each episode tells us, and the fictionalized versions of Adams played by Finan and, later, Michael Colgan, insist, all allegations that he was ever part of the IRA are false.

From Salon

His team insist he would carry on, and point out other ministers in the health department disagree with him, so it is certain some health ministers will find themselves on the losing side of the argument.

From BBC

It should also be stated that those missing will insist they are absent for genuine reasons.

From BBC

Related Words

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