What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insightful
Example
The author's insightful analysis of the novel shed new light on its themes. [insightful: adjective]
Example
Her insightful comments during the meeting helped us to better understand the issue at hand. [insightful: adjective]
astute
Example
The CEO's astute business decisions helped the company to thrive. [astute: adjective]
Example
His astute observations during the negotiation allowed us to reach a favorable agreement. [astute: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astute is more commonly used than insightful in everyday language. Astute is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while insightful is less common and tends to be used in more formal or intellectual settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insightful and astute?
Both insightful and astute are positive adjectives that can be used in formal or informal contexts. However, insightful may be perceived as more formal due to its association with intellectual analysis and reflection.
