insular

/ˈɪnsjələ(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnsələr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin(t)-su̇-lər -syu̇-, ˈin-shə-lər/ (ame, mw)

insular — adjective

  • insularpositive
  • more insularcomparative
  • most insularsuperlative

1. having a limited outlook and being unwilling to accept ideas or customs from out

1.形容詞C1
釋義

having a limited outlook and being unwilling to accept ideas or customs from outside your own group, culture, or country

例句

Binta grew up in a small insular town where most residents never travelled abroad.

insular + town / community

The company's insular culture rejected any new management ideas from outside.

insular + culture / company

同義詞
  • narrow-minded

    stronger negative connotation, more common in everyday speech

  • parochial

    focuses on local-only perspective, often in a religious context

  • provincial

    suggests narrowness from rural or regional isolation, slightly dated

反義詞

文法句型

insular + noun

be + insular

用法筆記

Frequently used in a critical way about groups, organizations, or societies that reject outside ideas.

常見錯誤

❌The tribe was insular to outsiders.
✅The tribe had an insular attitude toward outsiders.
💡'insular' is an adjective, not a transitive verb; it typically modifies a noun or follows 'be' + adjective.

2. having little contact with other people and living a life that is separate from

2.形容詞C1
釋義

having little contact with other people and living a life that is separate from others

例句

The monks led an insular existence in the mountain monastery.

insular + existence / life

After retiring, Fumi's grandfather became increasingly insular, rarely leaving his house.

become + increasingly insular

同義詞
  • isolated

    more neutral, less negative — focuses on physical separation

  • secluded

    implies chosen privacy rather than imposed separation

  • reclusive

    stronger, usually about a person who actively avoids others

反義詞

文法句型

become + insular

live an insular + noun

insular + noun (existence / life)

3. relating to an island or islands, or living on an island

3.形容詞C1
釋義

relating to an island or islands, or living on an island

例句

The Canary Islands have a distinct insular culture shaped by their island geography.

insular + culture (literal island sense)

Insular ecosystems often develop unique species found nowhere else on Earth.

insular + ecosystem / species

同義詞
  • island

    simpler, everyday alternative (e.g. 'island culture')

  • maritime

    broader — relates to the sea, not specifically islands

反義詞
  • continental

    relating to a mainland or continent

  • mainland

    as in 'mainland climate' vs 'insular climate'

文法句型

insular + noun

用法筆記

This is the literal geographical sense. It is less common in everyday speech than the figurative senses (1 and 2).