insight

noun

in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This score helps users track health trends and receive actionable insights for improvement. Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 These events enable acute and post-acute providers and industry experts to come together in person to share their insights. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 Directed by Sidney Poitier, the film paired Poitier with Bill Cosby and Harry Belafonte in a story that was filled with humor, heart, and sharp cultural insight. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 17 Dec. 2024 Berlinale regular Ira Sachs will return with Peter Hujar’s Day, starring Ben Wishaw and Rebecca Hall, a feature based on a 1974 conversation between photographer Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, offering insight into the New York art scene. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insight 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insight was circa 1580

Dictionary Entries Near insight

Cite this Entry

“Insight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insight. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

insight

noun
in·​sight ˈin-ˌsīt How to pronounce insight (audio)
: the power or act of seeing into or understanding a situation

Medical Definition

insight

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

More from Merriam-Webster on insight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!