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insight

n.
US //ˈɪnˌsaɪt// UK //ˈɪnsaɪt// in·sight
  1. 1 deep understanding (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a clear and deep understanding of a complicated problem or situation.

    the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a complex issue; often used with the preposition 'into'.

    Example

    The book provides a fascinating insight into how the human brain works.

    Example

    The researcher's latest paper offers a profound insight into the socio-economic factors that contributed to the sudden urban migration.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'into' when describing the subject of the understanding.
  2. 2 the ability to understand (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the ability to see and understand the truth about something quickly.

    the faculty of acute observation and deduction; a cognitive skill involving discernment.

    Example

    She has a lot of insight and quickly realized why the project was failing.

    Example

    His clinical insight allowed him to identify the underlying pathology long before the laboratory results were finalized.

    Usage

    Often functions as an uncountable noun when referring to a general personality trait or skill.
    • obtuseness
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  1. 3 mental health awareness (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the degree to which a person understands their own mental health condition.

    an individual's awareness of the nature and severity of their own mental health condition.

    Example

    The patient showed good insight into his condition and agreed to follow the treatment plan.

    Example

    A lack of clinical insight is a common challenge in treating patients with severe psychotic disorders, as they may not recognize their symptoms as illness.

    Usage

    Used specifically in psychiatric and psychological contexts to describe a patient's self-perception.
    • self awareness
    • anosognosia
Origin

From Middle English insight, insiht (“insight, mental vision, intelligence, understanding”), equivalent to in- + sight. Perhaps continuing Old English insiht (“narrative, argument, account”), from Proto-Germanic *insahtiz (“account, narrative, argument”). Compare West Frisian ynsjoch (“insight”), Dutch inzicht (“insight, awareness, view, opinion”), German Low German Insicht (“insight”), German Einsicht (“insight, knowledge, perception, understanding”), Danish indsigt (“insight”), Swedish insikt (“insight”), Icelandic innsýn (“insight”).

Word family

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