insist
UK/in'sist/US
NGSL 2kTOEFLB1
Definitions
v.
To demand firmly that something happen
坚持要求
v.
To state something firmly, refusing to be contradicted
坚称，坚决主张
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (on) + sist (from sistere, 'to stand') = 'to stand on.' To insist is to plant yourself on a point and refuse to step off it. Picture someone standing firmly on their position — that's exactly the stubborn 'I insist.'
Root st still carries 376 more wordsUsage Guide
Two patterns: insist ON something / on doing something (I insist on paying); and insist THAT + clause. In formal British use, the that-clause often takes a bare subjunctive: 'She insisted that he leave' (not 'leaves'). insist is not used in the passive.
Example Sentences
- 1.
She insisted on paying for the meal.
- 2.
He insists that he saw the whole thing.
- 3.
I insist that you take a break.