Words / C2

imp-or-TYOON/ˌɪmpɔːˈtjuːn/

To importune is to ask someone persistently and pressingly for something (formal): importune the board, importuned for a favour. To beg (already in the dictionary) is everyday desperate asking; to beseech (already in the dictionary) is to ask earnestly, literary, of tone more than of nagging. To demur (this batch) is to object or hesitate; to cavil (already in the dictionary) is to nitpick. Corridor pressure is not a record.

Meaning

To ask someone persistently and pressingly for something (formal).

Examples

• “Do not importune the chair in the corridor; put the missing date in the minutes.”
• “To beg is to ask desperately (already in B1). To beseech is to ask earnestly (already in C2). To demur is to object mildly (this batch). To cavil is to nitpick (already in C2). A dated ask can still be sharp. Heat in the stairwell is theatre. Put the date on paper; then the pathos.”

Good to know

Press with persistent requests (formal). Everyday: beg (already in this dictionary). Close: beseech (already in C2). This batch: demur. Contrast: cavil (petty — already in C2). A corridor is not a minute.

Near in meaning

beseech, pester, press, solicit

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