Definition of INSIGHT

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

That can tell scientists something about how black holes form and grow together, which can in turn yield insights into the evolution of stars. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Physicists detected gravitational waves from four new black-hole mergers," 3 Dec. 2018 This week, the mother-daughter duo offer insight and advice for how to make the most of this last week before Election Day. — Marie Claire, "With One Week Until Election Day, the Boxers Share Advice and Insight," 30 Oct. 2018 Australia and the South Pacific Australia Drew KluskaThe TailorKluska’s roster of winemakers, fashion insiders, and Olympic medalists adds next-level insights to trips. — Paul Brady, Condé Nast Traveler, "2018 Top Travel Specialists We Trust," 19 Oct. 2018 These five insider insights can have a huge impact on your pursuit of a clear, younger-looking complexion. — Kristin Perrotta, Harper's BAZAAR, "The Anti-Aging Secrets Dermatologists Tell Their Friends," 2 Oct. 2018 But North Korea's packaging of the first images of Moon's visit to its capital this week, as broadcast on state television a full day after the rest of the world saw them, offers some guidance — and some important insight. — Fox News, "AP Analysis: In North and South Korea, 2 views of summit," 19 Sep. 2018 Influencers such as photographer Renell Medrano, model Diana Veras, Rachelle Vinberg of Skate Kitchen, and NYC creative Manon Macasaet, were also on the scene to provide guidance and insight to the athletes. — Amira Rasool, Teen Vogue, "Serena Williams and Virgil Abloh Collaborate on a New Nike 'Queen' Collection," 23 Aug. 2018 Tiny fluctuations observable in the CMB are evidence of seeds that grew into the cosmos' larger structure, so scrutinizing this light can reveal key insights about the universe's very early days. — Mike Wall, Space.com, "Observations of the Early Universe Reaffirm the Existence of Dark Matter and Dark Energy," 18 July 2018 There is similar insight on the Division II and Division III levels. — Matt Murschel, OrlandoSentinel.com, "A guide to top college football preview magazines," 13 July 2018

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.