insightful

[in-sahyt-fuhl]

adjective

1. characterized by or displaying insight; perceptive.

Other Word Forms

• insightfully adverb
• insightfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insightful¹

First recorded in 1905–10; insight + -ful

Example Sentences

At its most insightful, his book reveals a colossal dissonance between a person and a persona.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

An insightful Film Paradise video essay explains its meaning as coded to Derry’s reigning anxieties in 1962, specifically the ravages of nuclear fallout and radiation.

Read more on Salon

The writings were so wise and insightful that Roz read the journal from cover to cover.

Read more on Literature

The Oscar-winning filmmaker’s new memoir, “The Uncool,” is a tender and insightful account of his adventures covering the likes of the Eagles, Led Zeppelin and Joni Mitchell for Rolling Stone in the 1970s.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Megadoc” is not exactly a skeleton key for understanding “Megalopolis,” but it is useful and insightful, full of scenes of conflict followed by resolution, understanding emerging from confusion.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• astute 
• intelligent 
• penetrating 
• sharp 
• shrewd 
• smart