1. Relating to or characteristic of an island: This is the most literal definition. For example, "The island nation has a strong insular culture."
2. Narrow-minded or isolated: This is the most common usage. It implies a lack of awareness or understanding of things outside one's own experience or group. For example, "The company's insular management style led to a lack of innovation."
3. Separate or detached: This definition emphasizes the lack of connection or integration with something else. For example, "The insular community had little interaction with the outside world."
In general, "insular" carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of openness, understanding, or connection.
To determine the best definition for your specific use case, consider the context of the sentence and the intended meaning.