Etymology

Formally, this n. is native (cp. SPS 43). Anderson is alone in tentatively suggesting an ON etmon for the compound, comparing 'Sw insiht' without further comment. It is possible to explain the English word as a loan translation; OE insiht 'narrative', glossing argumentum, only occurs in a relatively late Nhb context. Analogous compounds occur elsewhere in WGmc, however, cp. MDu insicht, German einsicht. Indeed Scandinavian authorities explain Dan indsigt and Sw insikt as a loan from the latter. The existence of a VAN compound is therefore perhaps even more problematic, and although Anderson's proposal cannot be categorically ruled out, it must be regarded as improbable.

PGmc Ancestor

 

Proposed ON Etymon (OIcel representative)

(ONP )

Other Scandinavian Reflexes

Dan indsigt, Sw insikt

OE Cognate

OE in + siht, (ge)sihð 'sight, vision'

Phonological and morphological markers

Summary category

CCC4a

Attestation

MED and OED's first citations come from Orrm, but common and widespread thereafter. OE insiht is attested once, from a late 10c. Nhb gloss.

Occurrences in the Gersum Corpus

Cl 1659

Bibliography

MED insight (n.) , OED insight (n.1) , Nielsen indsigt, Hellquist insikt