Word
insist
Phoneticsin·sist, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈsɪst/
UK/ɪnsˈɪst/
Definitions
01to state firmly
B1 · Intermediate
v. to say something very firmly, especially when other people do not believe you.
v. to assert a statement or claim emphatically, often in the face of doubt or contradiction.
“He insisted that he had locked the door, even though it was open.”
“Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defendant continued to insist that he had never visited the property.”
Usage
Often followed by a 'that' clause or the preposition 'on'.
Pitfall
She insisted that she is right.
She insisted that she was right.
When 'insist' is in the past tense, the following verb usually moves back in time as well.
02to demand
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to say that something must happen or that someone must do something.
v. to demand a specific action or outcome persistently, refusing to accept a refusal.
“My parents insist that I finish my homework before I go out.”
“The manager insisted on a full written report by Monday morning, regardless of the team's current workload.”
Usage
Commonly takes 'on' followed by a gerund, or a 'that' clause using the subjunctive mood in formal contexts.
Pitfall
I insist you to come.
I insist that you come.
Do not use 'insist' with an object and an infinitive. Use a 'that' clause instead.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “insist” in context.
Verb
01. insist on absolute silence
“The librarian insisted on absolute silence while students were studying for their exams.”
verb + prep + adj + noun
02. insist on paying the bill
“My uncle always insists on paying the bill whenever we go out for dinner.”
verb + prep + noun
03. insist that the guest stay
“They insisted that the guest stay for another night because of the heavy snow.”
verb + that-clause
Adverb
04. firmly insist that the meeting continue
“The chairperson firmly insisted that the meeting continue despite the late hour.”
adv + verb + that-clause
05. quietly insist
“She didn't shout, but she quietly insisted that the rules be followed by everyone.”
adv + verb
06. stubbornly insist on the truth
“Even when presented with evidence, he stubbornly insisted on the truth of his original story.”
adv + verb + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“He insisted the railway was safe, and that Network Rail took various measures to manage the impact of weather on tracks and other railway equipment.” “Muir has previously insisted that Daera had "no choice" but to cull the animals.” Etymology
Partly from Middle French insister, from Latin īnsistere; and partly from a back-formation from insistence. Compare typologically from the same PIE root Bulgarian настоявам (nastojavam), Russian наста́ивать (nastáivatʹ).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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