insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt 

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

Synonyms

• wisdom
• understanding
• sensitivity
• perception
• perceptivity
• perceptiveness
• discernment
• intellect
• intelligence
• sagacity
• brilliance

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

During a 2020 interview with The New York Times, Kidman gave more insight into her and Cruise’s experience working with Kubrick. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

Even with the benefit of polling data and insights from primaries and historical trends, predicting the winners of traditional political elections is difficult. —Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2025

As part of Saturday’s discussion, the team will recap season three, tease what’s ahead for the Nublar Six, offer behind-the-scenes insights, and share in the joy and impact of the series, which hails from executive producers Steven Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow and Frank Marshall. —Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025

Fox News Digital reached out to KFC for more insight into the sauce's popularity. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 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