insight
Insight (noun) means a clear, often sudden, understanding of the true nature of something. Example: “Her years in the industry gave her real insight into how the market works.”
How to Use Insight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA deep, accurate understanding of what's really going on beneath the surface.
Word Forms
insights plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her years in the industry gave her real _____ into how the market works.
Etymology
From Middle English insight, built from in- + sight — literally a "seeing into" something.
Related Words
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “insight” mean?
The word “insight” means a clear, often sudden, understanding of the true nature of something. In plain terms, a deep, accurate understanding of what's really going on beneath the surface.
How do you pronounce “insight”?
“Insight” is pronounced IHN-syt (/ˈɪnsaɪ̯t/ in IPA).
How do you use “insight” in a sentence?
Here is “insight” used in a sentence: “Her years in the industry gave her real insight into how the market works.”
What part of speech is “insight”?
“Insight” is a noun.
Where does the word “insight” come from?
The word “insight” comes from Middle English. From Middle English insight, built from in- + sight — literally a "seeing into" something.
Is “insight” a common word?
“Insight” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “insight” have?
“Insight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a clear, often sudden, understanding of the true nature of something.
What is the difference between "insight" and "intuition"?
"Insight" is a clear, often sudden understanding of the true nature of something, usually based on careful thought or observation. "Intuition" is a sense of knowing that arises without conscious reasoning. Insight tends to explain why something is true, while intuition simply senses that it is.
What preposition follows "insight" — "insight into" or "insight on"?
The standard collocation is "insight into," as in "insight into human behaviour." "Insight on" is sometimes heard informally, but "into" is the preferred and more widely accepted preposition.
What is the difference between "insight" and "hindsight"?
"Insight" is a clear understanding of the true nature of something, which can come at any time. "Hindsight" is understanding gained only after an event has happened, as in "in hindsight, the mistake was obvious."
How is "insight" used in psychology or mental health?
In psychology, "insight" describes a person's awareness and understanding of their own condition, especially a mental health condition. A patient with limited insight may not recognise that they are unwell, which can affect their treatment.