ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insisting

v. · adj.
US //ˌɪnˈsɪstɪŋ// UK //ɪnsˈɪstɪŋ// in·sist·ing
  1. 1 demanding firmly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    saying something very strongly and refusing to take 'no' for an answer.

    the present participle of 'insist', used to describe the act of making a firm demand or maintaining a statement despite opposition.

    Example

    He was insisting on driving me home even though I told him I could walk.

    Example

    Despite the clear evidence to the contrary, the witness remained adamant, insisting that he had seen the suspect leaving the building at midnight.

    Usage

    often followed by the preposition 'on' or a 'that' clause.
    Pitfall
    She was insisting to pay for the meal.
    She was insisting on paying for the meal.

    The verb 'insist' and its participle 'insisting' usually take the preposition 'on' followed by a gerund, rather than an infinitive.

  2. 2 persistent or demanding attention (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that continues and is hard to ignore, like a loud noise.

    describing a quality that is persistent, urgent, or impossible to ignore; often used for sounds or physical sensations.

    Example

    The insisting ring of the telephone finally woke her up.

    Example

    The insisting rhythm of the drums echoed through the valley, making it impossible for the villagers to ignore the approaching celebration.

    Usage

    usually placed before the noun it describes.

© 2026 English Reference