What does importunely mean?
Importunely means in a persistent and unsolicited manner, typically describing someone who repeatedly presses another person for attention, information, or a favour. The adverb is now uncommon outside legal, historical, and literary writing, but it conveys a distinctive combination of determination and social insensitivity. A petitioner might act importunely by repeatedly approaching an official after being refused, while a persistent visitor might do the same by continuing to request an audience. The word is related to importune and importunate, both meaning to press someone insistently for a favour. Its historical root is Latin importunus, meaning “inconvenient” or “ill-timed.” This origin reinforces the modern implication that importunate behaviour is not only forceful but poorly judged in relation to timing, circumstances, or the wishes of the person being approached. Because of its formal tone and relative rarity, importunely is especially effective in accounts of legal disputes and historical encounters.
adverbIn a persistent and uninvited manner, especially when asking someone for something. The term is now chiefly literary or legal.
- In a persistent, uninvited, or excessively solicitant manner.
"Several determined petitioners continued to solicit the minister importunely."
"He importunely asked the official to reconsider the application."
"The document records how the petitioner had importunely approached the landowner."
Its Latin ancestor meant “inconvenient” or “ill-timed”: pressing someone importunely was not merely intrusive, but badly placed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does importunely come from?
Importunely was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to importunate. Importunate developed from importune, which was borrowed through Old French from Latin importunus, meaning “inconvenient” or “ill-timed.” Latin opportune and English opportunity are cognates associated with the same historical root.
Related word forms
How importunely is actually used
A formal and relatively uncommon word, used mainly in legal, historical, and literary contexts. It conveys persistent pressure that is unwelcome or fails to respect social boundaries.