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Insider Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insider

[ˈɪnˌsaɪdər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A person who has access to confidential information about a company and can potentially use it for personal gain.

Synonyms

informant, mole, whistleblower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insider

Used to describe someone who has special knowledge or access within an organization, often because they are part of it. Can be either neutral or positive depending on the context.

  • As an insider, she knew about the company's expansion plans before anyone else.
  • The insider trading scandal shook the financial community.
informant

Commonly used in law enforcement contexts to describe someone who provides information, often secretly or covertly, usually in exchange for something. May carry a slightly negative or clandestine connotation.

  • The police caught the gang thanks to a reliable informant.
  • An informant tipped off the authorities about the illegal activities.
mole

Refers to a person who works within an organization to secretly report back information, often to a rival or enemy. Strongly negative connotation, implying betrayal or espionage.

  • They discovered the mole who had been leaking confidential information to their competitors.
  • The spy thriller focused on finding the mole within the intelligence agency.
whistleblower

Describes someone who exposes secretive or unethical activities within their organization to the public or authorities. Generally seen in a positive light, emphasizing bravery and a sense of justice.

  • The whistleblower revealed the company's environmental violations.
  • He became a whistleblower after discovering the widespread corruption in the department.

Examples of usage

  • The insider leaked sensitive data to the press.
  • The CEO was caught trading stocks based on insider information.
Context #2 | Noun

media

A member of a group or organization who has special knowledge about its activities.

Synonyms

authority, expert.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
insider

This word is usually used in situations where someone has special access or knowledge within a particular group or organization, often implying secrecy or exclusivity.

  • As an insider in the company, she knew about the deal before it was announced.
  • The journalist spoke to an insider who revealed details about the political scandal.
expert

This word fits well when referring to someone who has a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area, often through experience and education. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • She is an expert in cybersecurity, with over 15 years of experience in the field.
  • We need an expert to help us solve this complex engineering problem.
authority

This term is best used to describe someone or something that is generally recognized as having expertise and the power to make decisions or judgments in a particular area. It can refer to individuals or institutions.

  • Dr. Smith is an authority on climate change and has published numerous papers on the topic.
  • The health authority issued new guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist interviewed an insider from the political party.
  • The book offers insights from industry insiders.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'insider'

The word 'insider' originated in the early 19th century. It comes from the combination of 'inside' and the suffix '-er', which denotes a person associated with a particular action or activity. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to someone with privileged information or access within a group or organization.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,138, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.