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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.

The company said it informs workers that it may take screenshots of their work during billing hours, and that it explicitly tells workers to only use work-related applications while Insightful is active.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Insightful doc about history of iconic cartoon character.

From Washington Post • Nov. 18, 2022

Insightful films, particularly from Senegal and Mali, like Ousmane Sembene’s “Black Girl.”

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2022

Insightful sayings were a Dedeaux specialty during his 45-year stint as USC coach that included a record 11 College World Series championships.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2022

Insightful recognition of the lived nursing act as the point around which all our functions revolve, could require a Copernican revolution of orientation of some nurses.

From Humanistic Nursing by Paterson, Josephine G.