ENGLISH
REFERENCE

insular

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈɪnsəɫɝ// UK //ˈɪnsjʊlɐ// in·su·lar

adj. describing a person or group that is not interested in new ideas or different cultures. It can also describe something that is physically or socially separated from others, like an island.

adj. characterised by a lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or people outside of one's own experience. Often describes isolated communities or narrow-minded perspectives; can also refer literally to something relating to an island.


SIMPLE

The small village was very insular and didn't like strangers.

CONTEXTUAL

Living in such an insular community made it difficult for him to adapt to the diverse environment of a large city.

COMPLEX

The company's insular corporate culture eventually led to its downfall, as leadership refused to acknowledge emerging market trends or listen to external consultants.

Synonyms
Origin

Learned borrowing from Latin īnsulāris (“of or belonging to an island”), from īnsula (“an island”), of uncertain origin.

Usage

Often used with a negative connotation to imply narrow-mindedness. It can be used both literally (relating to islands) and figuratively (relating to social isolation).

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