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insight

noun
in·​sight | \ ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio) \

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
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about insight

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Ultimately, the hope is that studying singularities and universality in relatively straightforward systems such as bubbles can provide insight into what goes on in the less camera-friendly corners of the cosmos. — Quanta Magazine, "Bubble Experiment Finds Universal Laws," 31 July 2019 Other times, they were marked by a quote that provided keen insight into what was going on in Kentucky or in national politics. — Joseph Gerth, The Courier-Journal, "Quips, quotes and one-liners: The 50 greatest zingers from 50 years of Fancy Farm," 30 July 2019 From her pregnancy yoga practice to Fabletics, the actor’s own activewear line, Hudson chronicles her exercise undertakings—and their aspirational results—on Instagram, offering some welcome insight for followers looking to get fit. — Calin Van Paris, Vogue, "Kate Hudson Shares the Secret to Her Killer Arms," 26 July 2019 Corwin is senior manager of consumer insights for travel & hospitality intelligence at J.D. Power. — Julia Thompson, USA TODAY, "These hotels get the best marks from guests, according to J.D. Power rankings," 24 July 2019 John Williams, dean of UNO’s College of Business Administration, which houses the Hospitality Research Center, said this year’s survey provided interesting insight into the concerns visitors have when visiting New Orleans. — Jennifer Larino, nola.com, "New Orleans hosted 11.6 million visitors in 2018, UNO report says," 28 June 2019 One alumna whom authorities interviewed had a unique insight into the legal task. — Harriet Ryan, latimes.com, "Women who say USC gynecologist molested them find hope in criminal charges," 27 June 2019 Additionally, Youth to the People offered us some insight into its ethos as a brand and how the collaboration came to be. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "Queer Illustrator Wednesday Opens Up About Their Gorgeous Partnership With Youth to the People for Pride 2019," 21 June 2019 Research on direct health impacts of waste incineration in the United States is limited, but a handful of studies from Asia and Europe, where waste incinerators are prevalent, offer some insights. — Ana Baptista, The Conversation, "Is burning trash a good way to handle it? Waste incineration in 5 charts," 20 June 2019

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.

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First Known Use of insight

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for insight

insight

noun
How to pronounce insight (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of insight

: the ability to understand people and situations in a very clear way
: an understanding of the true nature of something

See the full definition for insight in the English Language Learners Dictionary

insight

noun
in·​sight | \ ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio) \

Kids Definition of insight

1 : the ability to understand a person or a situation very clearly
2 : the understanding of the truth of a situation

insight

noun
in·​sight | \ ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio) \

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

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