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Synonyms

insightful

American  
[in-sahyt-fuhl] / ˈɪnˌsaɪt fəl /

adjective

  1. characterized by or displaying insight; perceptive.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of insightful

First recorded in 1905–10; insight + -ful

Explanation

What English teachers want from students writing papers is insightful analysis –– thinking that sees beyond the obvious and expresses an original thought. With this word, remember in- and -sight-. 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.

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Vocabulary lists containing insightful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Hinterhäuser is also an insightful pianist, and he joined baritone Matthias Goerne in a chilling performance of Schubert’s existential song cycle, “Winterreise.”

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 5, 2026

For an LLM, every question you ask is important and insightful, or so it will tell you.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 23, 2026

Other valuation ratios aren’t particularly insightful since many IPOs come to market before booking any earnings.

From MarketWatch Jun. 4, 2026

"Given how he played, it was no surprise that Fergus' contributions were always insightful and bang on the money," said Neilly, who commentated on Slattery's first game as Ireland captain against France in January 1979.

From BBC Jun. 4, 2026

Sometimes Mom can be insightful without even realizing it.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

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