importunity
pronunciation
How to pronounce importunity in British English: UK [ɪmpɔ:'tju:nɪtɪ]
How to pronounce importunity in American English: US [ɪmpə'tjunətɪ]
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- Noun:
- insistent solicitation and entreaty
Word Origin
- importunity (n.)
- early 15c., "persistence, insistence; over-eagerness," from Middle French importunité (14c.), from Latin importunitatem (nominative importunitas) "unsuitableness; unmannerliness, incivility," from importunus "unfit, troublesome" (see importune).
Example
- 1. He lived in a slum ; he never appeared in society ; he avoided meeting the emperor except on one single occasion when the emperor 's importunity could not be resisted ; he refused all invitations to court functions on the ground that he possessed no court dress .
- 2. I say unto you , though he will not rise and give him , because he is his friend , yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth .