Importunity: meaning, definitions and examples
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importunity
[ɪmˈpɔːrtʃunɪti ]
Definitions
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
begging, entreaty, insistence.
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin word 'importunitas', which means 'unwelcome insistence'.
- It was originally used in English around the early 17th century to describe troublesome requests.
- The word is formed from 'importune', which means to ask for something persistently.
Psychology
- Persistent asking can be a sign of desperation or strong desire, sometimes leading to social discomfort.
- Researchers have found that people often respond negatively to requests that feel overwhelming or constant.
- Being importunate can backfire; it may irritate others and lead to rejection rather than acceptance.
Literature
- In Charles Dickens' works, characters often face importunity when seeking assistance from others.
- Shakespeare’s plays frequently illustrate characters using importunity to manipulate others for their gain.
- The concept appears in various poems, showcasing characters pleading for love or favor, illustrating emotional depth.
Pop Culture
- In movies, the 'needy friend' archetype often displays importunity, leading to humorous or poignant moments.
- Comedic sketches sometimes exaggerate importunity to highlight the absurdity of relentless begging.
- Reality shows frequently demonstrate importunate behavior, where cast members visibly push boundaries to achieve goals.
Law
- In legal contexts, importunity can refer to repeated requests for favors that may pressure individuals into compliance.
- Acts of importunity may be examined in laws regarding harassment or undue influence.
- Legal definitions highlight the potential for importunate requests to affect agreements and consent.
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