insight

noun in·sight \ ˈin-ˌsīt \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: insight in a Sentence

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

The data, some of which is available here, has turned up all kinds of interesting insights on mental health.

— brian resnick, Vox, "How data scientists are using AI for suicide prevention," 8 June 2018
As the MotionLoft database grows, researchers may uncover any number of unexpected insights.

— hiawatha bray, BostonGlobe.com, "Devices map people’s movements in Downtown Crossing to help businesses fine-tune offerings," 31 May 2018
Most of the clinical trials produced little in the way of insight into what actually might work against Ebola.

— helen branswell, STAT, "Ebola outbreak opens way to chaotic jockeying to test experimental drugs," 30 May 2018
The girls were kind enough to hang out with me for the afternoon and offer all sorts of insight on what to expect during the long first night and advice on being in this position.

— becca kufrin, PEOPLE.com, "Why Bachelorette Becca Kufrin Gave Garrett the First Impression Rose: He's 'Clever and Charming'," 29 May 2018
What to make of insights that tangle philosophy and fantasy and repurposed baseball gloves?

— megan garber, The Atlantic, "The Day the Genius Died," 23 May 2018
But a few provide some of the first insights into Paddock, who has remained a mystery more than seven months after executing the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Witnesses: Stephen Paddock Ranted About a Government Plot to Seize Guns Prior to Las Vegas Shooting," 17 May 2018
There are people of intellectual achievement who increase the sum of human knowledge, the powers of human insight, and analysis.

— lauren hubbard, Town & Country, "Tom Wolfe's Most Incisive and Inspiring Quotes," 15 May 2018
Single female purchasers tend to be more likely to see buying a home as an investment, according to Jessica Lautz, director of demographic and behavioral insights for the National Association of Realtors.

— kenneth r. harney, miamiherald, "The growing gender gap that gets little notice: home buying | Miami Herald," 7 May 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.

First Known Use of insight

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

insight Synonyms

Synonyms

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

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;

appreciation, apprehension, comprehension, grasp;

brain(s), braininess, brightness, brilliance, canniness, cleverness, gray matter, intellect, intelligence, judgment (or judgement), mentality, power, reason, sense, smartness, wit;

discrimination, foresight, foresightedness, judiciousness, prudence, sanity;

logic, rationality;

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

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

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

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