Importunity: meaning, definitions and examples
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importunity
[ ɪmˈpɔːrtʃunɪti ]
persistent demand
Importunity refers to the quality or state of being importunate, which means making persistent and urgent requests or demands. Such demanding behavior often can be perceived as annoying or intrusive, as it imposes on the time or patience of others. Importunity is frequently associated with situations where someone persists in asking for something despite reluctance or refusal from the other party. In literature and daily discourse, it highlights themes of desperation and urgency.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Her importunity finally wore him down, and he agreed to help her.
- The salesman's importunity became a nuisance to the customers.
- Despite his importunities, she remained firm in her decision.
annoying persistence
In a more negative light, importunity can signify an excessive or troublesome persistence in asking for something, often crossing the line into harassment. Such behavior can lead to social tensions and conflicts, especially when personal boundaries are not respected. Importunity can also arise in situations where one party feels entitled to something they are asking for, regardless of the other’s willingness to provide it.
Synonyms
demandingness, pressingness, urgency
Examples of usage
- His importunity at work caused many colleagues to avoid him.
- The importunity of the fundraiser left many uncomfortable.
- Her constant importunities for donations created tension in the community.
Translations
Translations of the word "importunity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 importunidade
🇮🇳 अवांछनीयता
🇩🇪 Beharrlichkeit
🇮🇩 penggangguan
🇺🇦 наполегливість
🇵🇱 natarczywość
🇯🇵 強要
🇫🇷 insistance
🇪🇸 importunidad
🇹🇷 ısrarcılık
🇰🇷 강요
🇸🇦 إلحاح
🇨🇿 naléhavost
🇸🇰 naliehavosť
🇨🇳 强迫
🇸🇮 vsiljivost
🇮🇸 þrýstingur
🇰🇿 қысым
🇬🇪 შეწუხება
🇦🇿 tələblilik
🇲🇽 importunidad
Etymology
The word 'importunity' comes from the Latin 'importunitas', which translates to 'unbearable or unendurable'. It made its way into Middle English through the Old French term 'importunité', which retained the connotation of a troublesome or inconvenient situation. Initially, the term referred broadly to anything that could be considered excessive, but over time it has come to specifically reference the idea of persistent requests that can become bothersome. The evolution of the word reflects societal views on the nature of pleading and the boundaries of patience, highlighting the balance between legitimate appeals for help and overstepping social norms.