insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
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
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 people affected by the housing crisis

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 Here’s a look at other stories offering insight on ETFs for investors. Kate Dore, Cfp®, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024 Following a screening of the doc, a Q&A that featured The Boss, who was welcomed with a standing ovation, long-time friend and band member Stevie Van Zandt and director Thom Zimny, as well as producer and Springsteen manager Jon Landau, provided additional insight. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Oct. 2024 The sessions were informative, and offered insights into current and future trends. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024 These variables are used alongside search terms to build deeper insight into the brand our customer is building and customize search appropriately, essentially creating personalized and ever-improving results. Darpan Munjal, Forbes, 18 Oct. 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

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insight was circa 1580

Dictionary Entries Near insight

Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insight. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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

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