Showing a narrow or provincial outlook; isolated from outside influences. Can literally refer to islands or figuratively to narrow-minded attitudes.
From Latin 'insularis,' from 'insula' (island). Originally meant 'relating to an island,' but developed the figurative sense of being isolated or cut off from broader perspectives, like an island cut off from the mainland.
Think of 'insular' as 'island-like'—just as an island is cut off from the mainland, insular people are cut off from new ideas and outside perspectives. They live on their own mental 'island' and rarely venture beyond their familiar shores!
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