Insular
Ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience; relating to or characteristic of an island or islanders.
While it can literally describe islands, its common metaphorical use implies a narrow-mindedness, isolation, and resistance to outside influence, often with a negative connotation.
Word relationships
- narrow-minded: Having a limited outlook or range of ideas.
- parochial: Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope, often related to a local parish.
- isolated: Remote and separate from others, which can lead to insularity.
- provincial: Of or concerning a province of a country or empire; often implies unsophisticated or narrow-minded.
- cosmopolitan: Familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures.
- open-minded: Willing to consider new ideas; unprejudiced.
- global: Relating to the whole world; worldwide.
Word family
- insularity (noun): The state of being insular.
Collocations
- insular community
- insular mindset
- insular culture
- become insular
Example sentences
- "The small, isolated village had remained largely insular for centuries, preserving its unique customs and traditions." Describing a remote community.
- "His insular worldview, fostered by a lack of travel and diverse friendships, made him resistant to any ideas that challenged his preconceived notions." Analyzing intellectual attitudes.
Memory hook
Think of an 'ISLAND' (INSULA) that is cut off from the rest of the world. An INSULAR person is like an island, isolated and narrow-minded. Island isolation
When not to use
Avoid using 'insular' to simply describe a small, close-knit community if you don't intend the negative connotation of being closed off to new ideas or outsiders.
Fun facts
- The term 'peninsular' (relating to a peninsula) shares the 'insula' root, meaning 'almost an island.'
- In architecture, 'insular' can refer to a style of art or architecture characteristic of the British Isles, particularly during the early medieval period.
Related words
Explore more words
parochialism, echo chamber, obtuse, bigotry, reclusive, sectarian
Also appears in
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