/ ɪnˈsɪst; NAmE / verb insist (on sth)
1.
to demand that sth happens or that sb agrees to do sth :
[ v ]
I didn't really want to go but he insisted.
'Please come with us' 'Very well then, if you insist .'
( formal )
She insisted on his / him wearing a suit.
[ v that ]
He insists that she come.
( BrE also)
He insists that she should come.
➡ note at demand
2.
to say firmly that sth is true, especially when other people do not believe you :
[ v ]
He insisted on his innocence.
[ v ( that )]
He insisted (that) he was innocent.
[also v speech ]
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PHRASAL VERBS
- insist on / upon sth
- insist on doing sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (in the sense persist, persevere ): from Latin insistere persist, from in- upon + sistere stand.