insisting
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.saying something very strongly and refusing to take 'no' for an answer.
v.the present participle of 'insist', used to describe the act of making a firm demand or maintaining a statement despite opposition.
Simple“He was insisting on driving me home even though I told him I could walk.”
In context“Despite the clear evidence to the contrary, the witness remained adamant, insisting that he had seen the suspect leaving the building at midnight.”
Usageoften followed by the preposition 'on' or a 'that' clause.
PitfallShe 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.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.something that continues and is hard to ignore, like a loud noise.
adj.describing a quality that is persistent, urgent, or impossible to ignore; often used for sounds or physical sensations.
Simple“The insisting ring of the telephone finally woke her up.”
In context“The insisting rhythm of the drums echoed through the valley, making it impossible for the villagers to ignore the approaching celebration.”
Usageusually placed before the noun it describes.
SynonymsAntonymsfaintignorable
“The men’s leaders objected to the plan, insisting that lower-ranking younger soldiers viewed the older officers as father figures and would struggle to cope if separated.”
“Rignol has spent over a year in court insisting that Yale used the wrong tools, followed the wrong procedures, asked for the wrong file, and reached the wrong conclusions.”