insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
Synonyms of insightnext
1
: the power or act of seeing into a situation : penetration
2
: the act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for insight

discernment, discrimination, perception, penetration, insight, acumen mean a power to see what is not evident to the average mind.

discernment stresses accuracy (as in reading character or motives or appreciating art).

the discernment to know true friends

discrimination stresses the power to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.

the discrimination that develops through listening to a lot of great music

perception implies quick and often sympathetic discernment (as of shades of feeling).

a novelist of keen perception into human motives

penetration implies a searching mind that goes beyond what is obvious or superficial.

lacks the penetration to see the scorn beneath their friendly smiles

insight suggests depth of discernment coupled with understanding sympathy.

a documentary providing insight into the plight of the homeless

acumen implies characteristic penetration combined with keen practical judgment.

a director of reliable box-office acumen

Examples of insight in a Sentence

… I had a big insight and a little insight about the book. —Rust Hills, Esquire, April 1973
… realizing this gave me no insight into how to correct it. —Bartley McSwine, Change, May–June 1971
… might well offer fresh insights as to the character and extent of the social adaptation involved. —George C. Barker, ETC, Summer 1945
He is a leader of great insight. The author analyzes the problem with remarkable insight. I had a sudden insight. Her book provides us with fresh new insights into this behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. —Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024 This is the web version of CEO Daily, a newsletter of must-read insights from Fortune CEO Alan Murray. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insight 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insight was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near insight

insidious

insight

insighted

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insight. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

insight

noun
in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
: the power or act of seeing into or understanding a situation

Medical Definition

insight

noun
in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
1
: understanding or awareness of one's mental or emotional state or condition
2
: immediate and clear understanding (as seeing the solution to a problem or the means to reaching a goal) that takes place without recourse to overt trial-and-error behavior

More from Merriam-Webster on insight

Nglish: Translation of insight for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of insight for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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