importunate
adjective
Persistent to the point of annoyance; making repeated and insistent requests or demands that are difficult to ignore.
Etymology
From Latin "importunus" (unsuitable, troublesome), from "in" (not) + "portunus" (convenient), from "portus" (harbor)—an inconvenient wind or position.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The importunate salesperson refused to take no for an answer."
- 2.
"Importunate requests for donations filled her mailbox."
- 3.
"Despite her importunate pleas, the decision stood."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The nautical origin connects to ships unable to enter harbor due to unfavorable conditions. An "importunate" wind forced sailors to wait frustratingly, like an importunate person forces others to deal with unwelcome demands.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 11 letters (I, M, P, O, R, T, U, N, A, T, E)
Scrabble Value: 15 points
Tip: Try building from common prefixes or suffixes when you spot these letters.
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