insight

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noun in·sight \ ˈin-ˌsīt \

Definition of insight

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

See insight defined for English-language learners

See insight defined for kids

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 of insight from the Web

All along, everybody was just guessing as McElwain and his players revealed little insight into the competition.

— ryan young, ajc, "Analysis: What Jim McElwain’s QB decision means for the Gators," 30 Aug. 2017
Commercially launched in 2016 and based in River North, ExplORer offers a platform that helps teams manage operating rooms and glean insights.

— robert holly, chicagotribune.com, "Explorer Surgical lands $3 million more for operating room software," 29 Aug. 2017
Global digital political engagement trends through two weeks of the Temple Mount clashes give us three main insights on the future of foreign policy and social media.

— akin unver, Washington Post, "What Twitter can tell us about the Jerusalem protests," 28 Aug. 2017
No one has the perspective -- or insight -- into the two programs competing in Saturday's Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic quite like Jacob Coker.

— mark heim, AL.com, "Jacob Coker gives Alabama-Florida State prediction, says Jimbo Fisher screams more than Nick Saban," 28 Aug. 2017
The series features interviews with cast and crew discussing new information and insights into some of the seventh season's biggest moments.

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "A New 'Game of Thrones' Spinoff Is Coming to Tide You Over Between Seasons," 28 Aug. 2017
The Cipher Brief provides the facts about everything from terrorism to cybersecurity to the war in Afghanistan, with valuable insights from leading global security experts who work in those fields.

— cindy otis, Teen Vogue, "10 to Follow to Stay Up on Current Events," 25 Aug. 2017
His story provides insight on how to fend off a notoriously tough addiction that traps many in a cycle of relapses.

— beth warren, The Courier-Journal, "‘I was scared to get sober': He dealt heroin, now he's been clean six years," 24 Aug. 2017
Fans of the books have spent years inside the heads of these characters, given a different perspective and insight than those who have watched the show.

— matt miller, Esquire, "Jon Snow and Cersei Lannister Have an Interesting Connection on Game of Thrones," 23 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of insight

13th century

insight Synonyms

Synonyms

discernment, wisdom, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience

Near Antonyms

density, dullness (also dulness), obtuseness; brainlessness, folly, foolishness, idiocy, imbecility, mindlessness, silliness, simplemindedness, simpleness, stupidity, witlessness; illogic, irrationality, unreasonableness, unsoundness; craziness, insanity, lunacy, madness; preposterousness, senselessness, silliness, zaniness

Synonym Discussion of 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

INSIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

insight

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noun

Definition of insight for English Language Learners

: the ability to understand people and situations in a very clear way
: an understanding of the true nature of something

INSIGHT Defined for Kids

insight

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noun in·sight \ ˈin-ˌsīt \

Definition of insight for Students

1 :the ability to understand a person or a situation very clearly

2 :the understanding of the truth of a situation

Medical Dictionary

insight

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noun in·sight \ ˈin-ˌsīt \

medical Definition of insight

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