insight

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/ˈɪnˌsaɪt/
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Clear or deep understanding of a person, problem or situation.
Practice using insight in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Her research offers insight into why the river is drying up.
  • Years of experience gave her unusual insight into the problem.
  • What insights did the survey reveal?
  • His latest book contains several useful insights about leadership.
  • The interview gave us an insight into his childhood.

Similar words

perception
discernment
awareness
understanding

Meanings

Deep understanding

noun
understanding
neutral
A clear and often revealing understanding of something, or a particular idea gained from it.

Examples

  • Her research offers insight into why the river is drying up.
  • The interview gave us an insight into his childhood.
  • What insights did the survey reveal?
  • Years of experience gave her unusual insight into the problem.
  • His latest book contains several useful insights about leadership.

Similar words

understanding
perception
awareness
discernment

Etymology

A Middle English word once meaning inner sight or wisdom, related to words in several Germanic languages. Its present sense is figurative understanding.

FAQ

What does insight mean?

Clear or deep understanding, or an idea that reveals something important.

Can insight be plural?

Yes. Particular useful observations can be called insights.

Do you say insight into something?

Yes. The common pattern is insight into a person, problem or situation.

Is insight just information?

No. It involves understanding what the information shows.

Where does insight come from?

It originally evoked inner sight or wisdom.

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