insight and incite - the difference

by Craig Shrives
The Quick Answer
The noun insight means an understanding.
The verb to incite means to stimulate action.
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The words insight and incite sound very similar, but their meanings are very different.

Insight

The noun insight means an understanding of something. It often carries the connotation of a clear understanding with an insider's perspective.

Examples:
  • The film offers a useful insight into sharks' behaviour.
  • She has a good insight into the company's strategy.

Incite

The verb to incite means to stimulate action, to rouse, or to stir up.

Examples:
  • A 29-year-old man from Dover was arrested for trying to incite a riot.
  • The event is seeking to incite enthusiasm in young people.
Interactive Exercise
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See Also

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