insightful
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of insightful
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.
Vocabulary lists containing insightful
Positive Words to Describe People, List 1
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Words to Describe a Novel or a Story
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Cover Letter Language
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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.
The end of the war and the aftermath of Sparta’s victory over Athens, through the years 404-371 B.C., are known to us through the writings of Xenophon, a less insightful observer.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
With prose so heartfelt and insightful, I was in tears by the preface.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
The explanation will fall on unimpressed ears of many Rangers fans, no matter how insightful it might be.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
While there’s less floor space dedicated to the permanent collection, a new installation of intimately scaled works offers a more insightful overview of its holdings than the earlier display.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
“An insightful question. The answer: he rakes it in.”
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
