Insightful
/ˈɪn.saɪt.fəl/noun
Having or showing a deep understanding or perceptive judgment.
Did you know?The core word *insight* is an old English compound meaning “inner sight,” so modern English still preserves the idea that true understanding is a kind of vision.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
insihte
“inner sight; spiritual or mental perception”
Old English
OE
siht / sīehð
“sight; seeing; vision”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*sehwaną
“to see”
Middle English
ME
insight
“understanding; perception; inward vision”
19th Century
English
insightful
“having or showing insight”
Modern English
English
insightful
“having or showing deep understanding or perceptive judgment”