insist

[ɪnˈsɪst]

insist Definition

  • 1to demand that something happens or that someone do something
  • 2to say firmly and often that something is true, especially when other people think it may not be true

Using insist: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "insist" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I insist that you apologize to her.

  • Example

    She insists on doing everything herself.

  • Example

    He insists that he is innocent.

  • Example

    The company insists that the product is safe.

insist Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for insist

Idioms Using insist

  • to demand something that is owed to you, even if it causes harm to the person who owes it

    Example

    He insisted on his pound of flesh, even though it meant bankrupting his former business partner.

  • to always want to have the final say in an argument or discussion

    Example

    She always insists on the last word, even when she knows she's wrong.

  • to demand that only the truth be spoken

    Example

    The judge insisted on the truth from the witness, threatening to hold them in contempt if they lied.

Phrases with insist

  • to demand that something be done or provided

    Example

    I insist on having a clean work environment.

  • to demand that one be allowed to do something oneself

    Example

    She insists on driving herself to work every day.

  • to demand that something be done or provided

    Example

    The customer insisted upon a refund for the defective product.

Origins of insist

from Latin 'insistere', meaning 'to stand upon'

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Summary: insist in Brief

To 'insist' [ɪnˈsɪst] is to demand that something happen or that someone do something, often with firmness and persistence. It can also mean to assert the truth of something, even in the face of doubt or opposition, as in 'He insists that he is innocent.' 'Insist' is used in phrases like 'insist on something,' which means to demand that something be done or provided, and idioms like 'insist on your pound of flesh,' which means to demand what is owed to you, even if it harms the other person.

How do native speakers use this expression?