What does "insane" mean?

1. (foolish or extreme) very foolish, dangerous, or extreme in a way that seems impossible. 2. (amazing or impressive) extremely good, impressive, or surprising. 3. (very large or intense) used to describe an amount or feeling that is much bigger than usual.

insane

adj.

US //ˌɪnˈseɪn// UK //ɪnsˈeɪn// in·sane

1 foolish or extreme (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

very foolish, dangerous, or extreme in a way that seems impossible.

characterised by extreme folly, impracticality, or lack of reason.

Example

It is insane to drive that fast on such a narrow, icy road.

Example

The company's plan to double its workforce in a single month was frankly insane given the current economic climate.
- sensible
- reasonable
2 amazing or impressive (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Slang

extremely good, impressive, or surprising.

extraordinary in degree or quality; used as a high-intensity positive evaluation.

Example

The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely insane.

Example

The guitarist performed an insane solo that left the entire audience standing in disbelief.
- boring
- average

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3 very large or intense (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

used to describe an amount or feeling that is much bigger than usual.

denoting an extreme or excessive degree of something, such as an amount or a physical sensation.

Example

There was an insane amount of traffic on the way to the airport.

Example

The pressure to meet the quarterly targets was insane, forcing the team to work through several consecutive weekends.
- mild
- slight

Origin

From Latin īnsānus (“unsound in mind; mad, insane”), from in- + sānus (“sound, sane”), equivalent to in- + sane.

Word family

Adjectiveinsane
Adverbinsanely