Importunity

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪmˌpɔːˈtjuːnɪti/

Definitions

1. The quality of being importunate; persistence, especially in a way that is troublesome or annoying.
2. The act of pressing or demanding something in a way that is insistent, often to the point of nuisance.

Usage Examples

• The importunity of his requests led her to avoid answering his calls.
• Despite the importunity of the salesman, they decided to leave the store without making a purchase.
• Her importunity in demanding more attention from her peers was seen as disruptive.

Etymology

The word "importunity" is derived from the Latin term importunitas, meaning "inconvenience" or "unsuitability," which comes from importunus, meaning "unfit" or "inconvenient." The word was introduced into English in the 14th century, emphasizing the idea of persistence to the point of inconvenience or annoyance.

Synonyms

• Persistence
• Urgency
• Importunity
• Annoyance
• Pressing

Antonyms

• Submissiveness
• Indifference
• Disinterest
• Complacency
• Disregard

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US: /ɪmˌpɔːˈtjuːnɪti/
• UK: /ɪmˌpɔːˈtjuːnɪti/
• Australia: /ɪmˌpɔːˈtjuːnɪti/

Historical Usage

The word "importunity" has been in use since the late 14th century, originally derived from the Latin importunitas, meaning "inconvenience." It has historically referred to requests or demands that are persistent and annoying to the point of being intrusive. Over time, it came to describe any form of troublesome persistence, whether in personal, legal, or social contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, importunity is viewed negatively as it represents an imposition on others' time, resources, or personal space. However, in some contexts, persistence is seen as a sign of dedication or perseverance, particularly in areas like business, negotiations, or activism. The difference often depends on the manner and setting in which persistence is expressed.

More Information

The word "importunity" encapsulates the idea of persistence taken too far, often disrupting normal social conduct. While it can be seen as an essential trait in certain contexts—such as when advocating for social or political change—it is generally perceived as negative when it becomes excessive or unwelcome. In literature, the term has often been used to describe characters who persist in their goals despite resistance, emphasizing their persistence as a central aspect of their personality. Historically, importunity was often used in legal contexts to refer to unreasonable demands placed upon others.