Insist

/ɪnˈsɪst/

verbBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

To demand something or state something firmly, often repeatedly.

/ɪnˈsɪst/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To demand or state firmly and repeatedly.

She insisted on seeing the evidence before making a decision.

💡 Simply: Imagine you *really* want something, like the last slice of pizza. You keep saying you want it, even if others try to change your mind. That's insisting!

👶 For kids: To say something very firmly and not change your mind.

More Examples

2

The teacher insisted that the students finish their homework.

3

He insisted that he was telling the truth, even though no one believed him.

4

The doctor insisted on regular check-ups.

How It's Used

Politics

"The protestors insisted on their demands for reform."

Business

"The manager insisted on a strict adherence to the deadline."

Everyday Life

"She insisted on paying her share of the bill."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

insist on something

To demand or strongly request something.

"The customer insisted on a full refund."

insist that

To firmly state a belief or fact, and often repeatedly.

"She insisted that she was innocent."

From Latin *insistere* 'to stand upon, persist', from *in-* 'on' + *sistere* 'to cause to stand'.

The word 'insist' has been used since the 16th century to mean to be emphatic in saying something.

Memory tip

Imagine IN-SISTing on sitting in a chair, not letting anyone else have it.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to stand upon, persist"

insist oninsist thatstrongly insistrepeatedly insistpolitely insist

Common misspellings

insisttinsistedinsistance

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written