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 is one of the big insights to understand that today, people who are being arrested, detained, deported, the legal foundation of that goes back to a very dark chapter in American history, which is in the 1890s when there were demands to get rid of Chinese people. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Dec. 2025

Rather than acting solely as independent foragers, bumblebees appear to be shaped by the emotional tone of their companions, offering new insight into how this species interacts and adapts. —New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025

These Benin Bronzes chronicled rulers, court life, and spiritual practices, offering a rare insight into the sophistication of the kingdom. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

By analyzing a country's per-visitor spending, the report offers insight into where travelers are willing to spend more – even if less people visit overall – because of the high-value travel experience. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 7 Dec. 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