importune
C2Formal / Literary
Definition
Meaning
To harass someone with persistent requests or demands.
To make repeated, troublesome, or insistent requests; to pester or bother someone persistently. The adjective form, now rare, means 'troublesome' or 'urgent'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word implies an annoying or unwelcome persistence that borders on harassment. It is stronger than simply 'ask' and carries a negative connotation of being bothersome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used with the same meaning and similar frequency in both varieties. The adjective form ('importunate') is equally rare in both.
Connotations
Consistently negative, suggesting intrusive or inappropriate persistence.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects, primarily found in formal writing, legal contexts, or classical literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VN] importune somebody[VN] importune somebody for something[VN] importune somebody to do somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this word; 'beg and plead' is a near-paraphrase.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal complaints, e.g., 'The salesperson continued to importune the client after being asked to stop.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, historical texts, and legal studies to describe persistent supplication or harassment.
Everyday
Extremely rare. More common substitutes: 'pester', 'hassle', 'keep asking'.
Technical
In law, can refer to persistent solicitation, e.g., 'to importune for an immoral purpose' in some statutes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The paparazzi would constantly importune the actress for a comment.
- He was warned not to importune the judges for a favourable verdict.
American English
- Fans importuned the author for sequels at every book signing.
- The lobbyist was accused of importuning legislators for special favors.
adverb
British English
- (Virtually unused) -
American English
- (Virtually unused) -
adjective
British English
- (Rare/Archaic) He grew weary of her importune demands for attention.
American English
- (Rare/Archaic) The knight faced an importune challenge from his rival.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Too advanced for A2)
- The children importuned their father for ice cream.
- She felt embarrassed when her friend importuned the waiter for extra food.
- Reporters importuned the minister with questions about the scandal.
- He was known to importune his wealthy relatives for loans.
- Historians note that courtiers would ceaselessly importune the monarch for titles and land.
- The activist was arrested for importuning passers-by to donate to an unregistered cause.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IMPORTune sounds like 'important tune' – imagine someone playing the same important tune over and over, pestering you until you listen.
Conceptual Metaphor
REQUEST IS A BURDEN / NUISANCE (e.g., 'weighed down by requests').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'import' (импорт). The word is a false friend. The closest Russian concepts are 'надоедливо просить' or 'приставать с просьбами'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing spelling with 'important'. Incorrectly using it as a positive synonym for 'urge'. Using it in an informal context where 'pester' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'importune' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in written English, legal contexts, or historical/literary analysis.
'Implore' suggests a sincere, earnest, and often emotional plea. 'Importune' is negative, suggesting persistent, bothersome, and potentially inappropriate pestering.
No, the standard noun form is 'importunity' (/ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːnɪti/), meaning 'persistent solicitation or requests'.
It is extremely rare and archaic. In modern English, 'persistent', 'troublesome', or 'urgent' would be used instead.