insight

noun in·sight \ ˈin-ˌsīt \

|Updated on: 21 Aug 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

Being Bobby Brown Buried deep in the Bravo archives, the 2005 show followed the couple for a few months and gave us some hilarious insight into their lives.

— Billboard, "6 Reasons Whitney Houston Is an Inspiration & Icon to the LGBTQ Community," 11 July 2018
See it, below: The team at Enjet Media gave us a little more insight into the couple's video.

— abby gardner, Glamour, "Watch Kaley Cuoco's Incredibly Sweet Wedding Vows," 11 July 2018
FOX News producer Nicole Collins was in the courtroom and gives insight.

— Fox News, "FOX NEWS FIRST: Trump Supreme pick Kavanaugh prepping for confirmation war; FBI lovebirds facing hot seat," 10 July 2018
How has being an astronaut given you insight into this issue?

— NBC News, "Stopping 'Armageddon': This former astronaut is on a mission to save Earth from deadly asteroids," 10 July 2018
Be here for this exclusive panel that will give you insight into how the world of DC is entertaining fans across all platforms.

— phillip molnar, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Comic-Con 2018: Here's your Thursday schedule," 6 July 2018
Some close to the White House expect Mr. Shine to serve as an extension of Mr. Hannity, giving him additional insight into the administration.

— maggie haberman, New York Times, "Bill Shine, Ousted From Fox News in Scandal, Joins White House Communications Team," 5 July 2018
Casual conversation about the activity can flow naturally into other topics, giving you insight into what your son is thinking or feeling.

— eva dwight, ba, med, USA TODAY, "Understanding my sons: Science explains boys' brains and what moms can do to connect," 2 July 2018
The 15 minutes that were open to the press included rondos and passing exercises which gave little insight on Spain's tactical setup.

— SI.com, "Spain Sweat Over Gerard Pique's Fitness for Russia Match After He Suffers a Collision in Training," 1 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.

First Known Use of insight

13th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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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