importunate
UK /ɪmˈpɔːtjʊnət/ · US /ɪmˈpɔɹt͡ʃənət/ adjective, noun, verb
Forms importunates importunating importunated
- adjective (of a demand) Persistent or pressing, often annoyingly so.
- adjective (of a person) Given to importunate demands, greedily or thoughtlessly demanding.
- noun An importuner.
- verb (rare) To importune, or to obtain by importunity.
Etymology
First attested in 1477, in Middle english; from Latin importūnus + -ate (adjective-forming suffix), modelled on Middle French importuné. By surface analysis, importune + -ate (compare inopportune). The noun was substantivized from the adjective, see -ate (noun-forming suffix).
First attested in 1574; adapted borrowing of French importuner (“to bother, disturb”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix).
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Troublesomely urgent; unreasonably solicitous; overpressing in request or demand; urgent; teasing; as, an impotunate petitioner, curiosity. Whewell.
- adjective Hard to be borne; unendurable. [R.] Donne.
Etymology [See Importune.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “importunate”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details