Word
insistence
Phoneticsin·sis·tence, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈsɪstəns/
UK/ɪnsˈɪstəns/
Definitions
01a firm demand
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of demanding that something must happen or be done.
n. the act of demanding something firmly and refusing to accept a refusal or alternative.
Español:insistencia
“At her insistence, we all wore formal clothes to the dinner party.”
“The project was eventually cancelled at the insistence of the board, who remained unconvinced by the projected revenue figures.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'at someone's insistence'.
Pitfall
She did it on his insistence.
She did it at his insistence.
Use the preposition 'at' when saying someone did something because another person demanded it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02stating something is true
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. saying something very strongly and repeatedly, especially when others do not believe you.
n. the persistent assertion of a fact or opinion, often in the face of doubt or opposition.
“Despite his insistence that he was innocent, nobody believed his story.”
“The scientist's insistence that the data had been tampered with sparked a major investigation into the laboratory's practices.”
Usage
Commonly followed by a 'that' clause.
Synonyms
03fencing
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Sports Technical
n. in the sport of fencing, using strength to push an attack through a block.
n. the act of forcing an attack through a parry by using physical strength.
“The fencer scored a point through pure insistence, pushing past his opponent's blade.”
“The coach noted that while his insistence was effective against less experienced opponents, it left him vulnerable to a quick counter-attack.”
Usage
Specific to the terminology of competitive fencing.
Real-World Examples
“Despite the insistence from both governments that the plan will benefit both Venezuelans and Americans, it is not without pitfalls and clear unanswered questions.” “Instead, this was only done at the insistence of her defence team long after she had been charged with six counts of terrorism.” Etymology
From Middle English insistence, derived from Old French insister (“to insist”). Compare Middle French insistance. Morphologically insist + -ence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/insistence
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0