Insular Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
insular
[หษชnสสlษr ]
Definitions
isolated
relating to or characteristic of an island; detached from the mainland
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| insular |
Used when describing someone or something that is inward-looking, narrow-minded, or not interested in different cultures or ideas.
|
| isolated |
Refers to being physically or socially separated from others, often in a way that can lead to loneliness or a sense of being cut off.
|
| remote |
Used to describe a place that is far away from other places, or something that seems unlikely or distant.
|
| detached |
Describes a person who is emotionally uninvolved or indifferent, or something that is physically separated from something else.
|
Examples of usage
- The insular town was only accessible by boat.
- The insular community had its own unique traditions and customs.
narrow-minded
ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience
Synonyms
close-minded, narrow-minded, parochial.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| insular |
Used to describe someone or something that is isolated, typically as a result of a lack of interest in cultures, ideas, or people from outside one's own area or group.
|
| narrow-minded |
Indicates a person who is not willing to accept or understand different opinions, beliefs, or behaviors, usually implying a limited and biased viewpoint.
|
| parochial |
Refers to a limited or narrow outlook, often highlighting a focus on local or small-scale issues at the expense of broader perspectives, similar to 'insular' but can also imply a bias towards one's own area or group.
|
| close-minded |
Describes someone who is unwilling to consider new ideas or different opinions, often leading to a lack of openness and inflexibility.
|
Examples of usage
- His insular views prevented him from appreciating diversity.
- The insular attitude of the group hindered collaboration.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Geography
- Many small island nations face insular challenges, including limited resources and reliance on imports for daily needs.
- Insular areas may have unique ecosystems, such as Hawaii, which is home to many species found nowhere else on Earth.
Psychology
- Being insular can relate to how people cope with changeโsome prefer familiar environments and resist new experiences.
- Social psychology suggests that insular groups may develop strong in-group bonds, sometimes leading to prejudice against outsiders.
Literature
- Writers often explore the theme of insularity to highlight isolation in characters, showing how it affects their relationships and worldviews.
- Famous novels, such as 'The Island of Dr. Moreau,' use insularity to question moral boundaries and societal norms.
Sociology
- Cultural insularity can lead to the preservation of unique traditions and languages, often found in remote communities.
- Insular societies may struggle with globalization, as outside influences can threaten their cultural identity.
Origin of 'insular'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'insula,' which means 'island.' Over time, its meaning expanded to describe things that are isolated or detached.
- In English, the term has been used since the 19th century to describe both physical isolation and social attitudes.
The word 'insular' originated from the Latin word 'insularis', which means 'of an island'. The term initially referred to things related to or characteristic of an island. Over time, it also came to be used metaphorically to describe people or groups who are isolated or narrow-minded. The concept of insularity has been explored in various fields such as geography, sociology, and psychology.