Insightful Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

insightful

/ˈɪnˌsaɪtfəl/ /ɪnˈsaɪtfəl/

adjective

Britannica Dictionary definition of INSIGHTFUL

[more insightful; most insightful]

:

having or showing a very clear understanding of something

:

having or showing insight

  • Her analysis of the problem was very insightful.

  • an insightful comment/remark

  • insightful leaders

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples

— insightfully

adverb

— insightfulness

noun

[noncount]

Insightful Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

FAQs

Insightful Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary? ›

Britannica Dictionary definition of INSIGHTFUL. [more insightful; most insightful] : having or showing a very clear understanding of something : having or showing insight. Her analysis of the problem was very insightful. an insightful comment/remark.

What is the full meaning of insightful? ›

adjective. If you describe a person or their remarks as insightful, you mean that they show a very good understanding of people and situations. [approval] She offered some really interesting, insightful observations.

How do you explain insightful? ›

When you have the ability to look (sight) inside (in) something––a painting, a discussion, a situation––and find what others aren't seeing, you are being insightful. An insightful person is someone capable of deep, insightful thinking.

What does insightful mean Oxford dictionary? ›

/ɪnˈsaɪtfl/ (approving) ​showing a clear understanding of a person or situation synonym perceptive. an insightful historian. One particular author seems to be more insightful than the rest.

What is a synonym for the word insightful? ›

astute, intelligent, penetrating, sharp, shrewd, smart.

Is being insightful a good thing? ›

People may view them as aloof or unfocused. The Insightful sees the potential in an idea, helps others understand the benefits and gain their support, and often creates and executes a plan to prototype and validate the idea – killing it off early if the anticipated goals are unachievable.

What does insight mean simple? ›

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.

What are the characteristics of an insightful person? ›

insightful people are good at making connections and seeing patterns. Most insights are connecting specific situations with patterns that they know. So, if you want to be more insightful, learn more patterns and practice applying them.

What does an insightful person look like? ›

Insightful people listen curiously and intently for what people are really saying. They try not to assume. And they're not just biting their tongue, waiting for their moment to talk. They're really interested in what others are saying.

How do I know if I am insightful? ›

Insightful Thinking is the sudden and immediate comprehension or understanding that takes place without overt trial-and-error. It occurs when people recognize relationships (or make novel associations between objects or actions) that can help them solve new problems.

Can you say someone is insightful? ›

showing a clear and usually original understanding of a complicated problem or situation: She has written an insightful account of the modern art world. He was, of course, very funny and insightful. This is a very thoughtful, insightful analysis.

How can I be more insightful? ›

5 Steps to Be More Insightful
  1. Five key things you need to generate more insights:
  2. Pause. The business world moves incredibly quickly—and that pace has only increased over the last few years. ...
  3. Quiet. In addition to time, your brain needs quiet to synthesize and make new connections. ...
  4. Reframing. ...
  5. Positivity. ...
  6. Revisiting.
May 29, 2015

What is the root word of insightful? ›

insightful (adj.)

"with penetrating understanding into character or hidden nature," 1881, from insight + -ful. Some earlier words in the same sense were insighted (c. 1600), inseeing "having insight" (1590s). Related: Insightfully; insightfulness.

What is the opposite of insightful? ›

Opposite of having or showing an accurate and deep understanding. unperceptive. insensitive. undiscerning. unobservant.

What is the difference between insightful and perceptive? ›

Insight is like your ability to look into a situation or the result of that action while perception is a way to look at things, almost like your method of doing it..

What is an example of insight? ›

The fight for the leadership gave a fascinating insight into the group's dynamics. Her books are full of perceptive insights into the human condition. His book offers some fresh insights into the events leading up to the war. The research affords a new insight into the origins of the universe.

What is insightful thinking? ›

Insightful Thinking is the sudden and immediate comprehension or understanding that takes place without overt trial-and-error. It occurs when people recognize relationships (or make novel associations between objects or actions) that can help them solve new problems.

Why is being insightful important? ›

It helps you understand what and why something is happening. Insight helps you make better predictions of what might happen in the future and make better decisions. Those predictions could be around how certain trend lines are going to move into the future, or why certain segments will continue or be different.

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