insistent

/ɪnˈsɪstənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsɪstənt/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈsi-stənt/ (ame, mw)

insistent — adjective

  • insistentpositive
  • more insistentcomparative
  • most insistentsuperlative

1. Continuing to press a point, request, or demand because you refuse to accept a d

1.形容詞C1
釋義

Continuing to press a point, request, or demand because you refuse to accept a different answer.

例句

Noor was insistent that the landlord fix the broken heater today.

pattern: insistent that + clause

Paul grew insistent about getting a window seat for the flight.

同義詞
  • adamant

    Stronger and more final; suggests refusing to change position at all.

  • persistent

    Broader and more neutral; can describe steady effort without sounding forceful.

  • emphatic

    Focuses on force of expression rather than repeated pressure for action.

反義詞
  • yielding

    Ready to give way instead of pressing for the point.

  • hesitant

    Unsure and not forceful about what should happen.

文法句型

be insistent on + noun/-ing

be insistent that + clause

insistent demand

insistent voice

用法筆記

Often followed by 'on' + noun or '-ing', or by a 'that'-clause. Distinguish from sense 2 (HARD TO IGNORE): sense 1 describes a person, voice, or demand pushing for an outcome, not a repeated sound or feeling.

常見錯誤

❌She was insistent to leave early.
✅She was insistent on leaving early.
💡After 'insistent', English usually takes 'on' + '-ing' or a 'that'-clause, not 'to' + verb.

2. Continuing again and again, so that it keeps pulling your attention and is hard

2.形容詞C1
釋義

Continuing again and again, so that it keeps pulling your attention and is hard to ignore.

例句

An insistent knocking at the door woke Mira before sunrise.

collocation: insistent knocking

The phone gave an insistent buzz under Christopher's pillow all night.

同義詞
  • persistent

    Close in meaning, but less vivid about forcing itself onto your attention.

  • nagging

    More negative and often used for irritation, pain, or repeated worry.

  • repetitive

    Emphasizes repeated return, but not always the pressure to be noticed.

反義詞
  • intermittent

    Appearing only from time to time rather than continuing to press on.

  • faint

    So weak that it does not demand attention.

文法句型

insistent knocking

insistent ringing

insistent cough

insistent buzz

用法筆記

Most often used for sounds, physical sensations, or repeated signals. Distinguish from sense 1 (WON'T BACK DOWN): sense 2 is about something that keeps pressing on your attention, not a person arguing for a result.