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

insist on your pound of flesh, insist on the last word, insist on the truth

insist on something, insist on doing something, insist upon something

Formal and Informal Expressions of insist

In different contexts, you can replace 'insist' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'demand, require' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'push for, stick to' is a commonplace synonym.

insist: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for insist

Antonyms for insist

Idioms Using insist

insist on your pound of flesh
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.
insist on the last word
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.
insist on the truth
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

insist on something
to demand that something be done or provided
Example
I insist on having a clean work environment.
insist on doing something
to demand that one be allowed to do something oneself
Example
She insists on driving herself to work every day.
insist upon something
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.