Insular

Meaning

Narrow-minded, isolated, or resistant to outside influence, especially as a result of self-enclosure

Origin / Etymology

Latin insularis, from insula, 'island'

Synonyms

Parochial Isolated Cloistered

Antonyms

Cosmopolitan Outward-looking

Example Sentence

"Critics of the ISI Bill's nominated Board of Governors conceded the counter-argument fairly: self-perpetuating academic bodies can become insular, resistant to reform and unaccountable for outcomes."

🎯 UPSC Usage

Useful in GS2 answers on institutional governance and academic autonomy, e.g., 'an unreformed collegium risks becoming insular precisely where transparency is most needed.'

Relevant Subjects

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