in·sist
Pronounced:
/ɪnˈsɪst/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
in·sists; in·sist·ed; in·sist·ingMeaning:
1 : to demand that something happen or that someone do something [no obj] ▪ I didn't want to go, but she insisted. ▪ “Come on, let's go.” “Oh, all right, if/since you insist.” [+ obj] —usually + that ▪ She insisted that I (should) go. ▪ The source for my story insisted that I not reveal his/her name.
2 [+ obj] : to say (something) in a way that is very forceful and does not allow disagreement ▪ She insists the money is hers. —usually + that ▪ She kept insisting that she was right. ▪ He insists that these problems are not his fault. ▪ Both men insist that they are innocent.
2 [+ obj] : to say (something) in a way that is very forceful and does not allow disagreement ▪ She insists the money is hers. —usually + that ▪ She kept insisting that she was right. ▪ He insists that these problems are not his fault. ▪ Both men insist that they are innocent.
insist on also insist upon
[phrasal verb] 1 insist on/upon (something) or insist on/upon doing (something) : to say or show that you believe that something is necessary or very important ▪ My source insisted on anonymity. ▪ She insists on doing everything her own way. ▪ They adamantly insisted upon (their) being included in the meeting.
2 insist on/upon doing (something) informal : to continue doing (something that other people think is annoying or unimportant) ▪ The people sitting next to us insisted on talking during the entire movie.
2 insist on/upon doing (something) informal : to continue doing (something that other people think is annoying or unimportant) ▪ The people sitting next to us insisted on talking during the entire movie.