What is Importune: Introduction

Imagine a persistent knock at your door or a friend repeatedly asking for a favor until you relent. “Importune” describes this act of persistently requesting or urging, often in a way that becomes difficult to ignore. Whether someone is importuning for help, attention, or a decision, the word captures the determined, sometimes relentless nature of a plea that doesn’t take “no” for an answer. In a world filled with competing demands, the quality of being importunate can be both a powerful tool and, at times, a source of frustration.

Origin and History of the Word Importune

The word “importune” originates from the Latin “importunus,” meaning “inconvenient or unfit,” a combination of “in-” (not) and “portus” (harbor or refuge), suggesting something that does not provide shelter or ease. In Middle French, “importuner” carried a sense of inconvenient or unwelcome persistence. The word entered English in the early 16th century, retaining its association with relentless, and sometimes annoying, appeals. Over time, “importune” evolved from describing requests that were simply inconvenient to a nuanced term that suggests urgency or need mixed with a sense of insistence.

Meaning and Definition of Importune

Importune (verb):

1. To request or demand persistently and urgently
2. To press or urge with troublesome persistence
3. (Archaic) To annoy or harass with repeated requests or demands

Usage note: While “importune” often has a negative connotation of persistence that can be bothersome, it can also imply sincere urgency in requests.

How to Pronounce Importune

im-por-TOON

How to Remember Importune: Memory Tips

To remember “importune,” think of “important” + “tune”—an urgent message that keeps playing like an unending tune until someone listens. Another trick is to break it down as “I’m portuning” or pleading, as though constantly knocking on a door to be let in. Picture a child persistently asking for candy until their parent relents, and you’ll have a strong mental image of what it means to importune.

Importune in a Sentence: Examples and Usage

1. Everyday Conversation: “He continued to importune me for advice on the project until I finally helped him out.”
2. Professional: She importuned her supervisor to consider her ideas, hoping to contribute more to the project.
3. Literary: In classic literature, characters often importune their mentors or family members to pursue their desires or dreams.
4. Psychological: Children may importune parents persistently for treats, toys, or attention, especially if they think it will lead to a “yes.”
5. Historical: Petitioners importuned the king for justice, crowding his court to press their grievances.
6. Political: Activists importune government officials, demanding attention to pressing social issues.
7. Media: Celebrities often find themselves importuned by fans for autographs and photos when they appear in public places.

Difficulty Level of Using Importune

Advanced:

• Mostly used in formal or literary contexts
• Requires understanding of nuanced persistence
• Commonly replaced by simpler words like “urge” or “beg” in casual use

Importune Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Words

Modern Usage of Importune in Contemporary Context

In contemporary language, “importune” often conveys urgency or desperation in requests, typically in more formal or literary contexts:

Professional and Political Contexts:

• Petitioners importune legislators to enact or change laws that address urgent social issues.
• In advocacy and activism, importuning leaders and officials is a tactic to draw attention to specific causes.

Psychology and Personal Life:

• In personal relationships, individuals may importune others for emotional support or attention during challenging times.
• Therapists sometimes help clients understand how importunate behaviors can affect their relationships and work life.

Marketing and Advertising:

• Consumers may feel importuned by persistent digital ads, which aim to grab their attention through repeated exposure.
• Brands may strategically importune potential customers with targeted ads to increase engagement and sales.

While “importune” may not be common in everyday language, its meaning is relevant in many scenarios where urgent, repeated requests are made. In the digital age, with frequent notifications and messages, the word serves as a fitting description for the persistent demands on our time and attention, both in personal interactions and in a highly connected world.