insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt 

1

: the ability to understand people and situations in a very clear way : the ability to discern deeply and acutely

a leader of great insight

2

: the act or result of apprehending the inner nature of things or of seeing intuitively

The author analyzes the problem with remarkable insight.

Her book provides us with fresh new insights into this behavior.

The past four games gave us great insight into strengths and weaknesses.

—John-Michael Mulloy

Synonyms of insight

• wisdom
• sensitivity
• understanding
• perception
• perceptivity
• perceptiveness
• discernment
• intellect
• intelligence
• sagacity
• brilliance
• sense

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

This collection gathers 27 of her stories in English translation, revealing the narrative complexity, keen psychological insight, and careful attention to realistic detail that was characteristic of her work. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Findings connected to Ancient Rome continue to provide compelling insights not just for scientists and academics, but for interested travelers and the public at large. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025

Overall, the archaeological work provides a unique, holistic view of this 16th-century town, confirming historical records and offering insights that are crucial for understanding the history of urban development in Sweden. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025

Love his insights and commentary. —Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insight

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt 

: the power or act of seeing into or understanding a situation

Medical Definition

insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt 

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