# insistent

/ˌɪnˈsɪstənt/ (US) · /ɪnsˈɪstənt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insistent
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

demanding something firmly and refusing to take 'no' for an answer. You use this to describe someone who keeps asking for something or a sound that will not stop.

For teachers: demanding something firmly or persistently; refusing to allow any alternative. Often describes a person's manner or a repetitive, unavoidable sound.

## Examples

- She was insistent that we leave the party immediately.
- Despite my repeated excuses, the salesman was insistent that I try the new software for a week.
- The insistent ringing of the telephone eventually broke through his deep sleep, forcing him to answer the call despite the late hour.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was insistent to pay the bill" but "He was insistent on paying the bill" — Insistent is followed by the preposition 'on' and a gerund, not a 'to' infinitive.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the preposition 'on' or a 'that' clause.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.