ambivert
Americannoun
noun
Usage
What does ambivert mean? An ambivert is someone said to have a personality type that is in between that of an introvert (shy and reserved) and an extrovert (outgoing). Ambivert, introvert, and extrovert are all words used in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Extroverts are said to focus on the outside world, being social and talkative, while introverts are the opposite—more focused on their own thoughts. Example: As much as I love going out with friends, being an ambivert means that sometimes I’d just rather stay home and have some alone time.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of ambivert
First recorded in 1925–30; ambi- + -vert, as in extrovert, introvert
Explanation
An ambivert is someone who sometimes prefers to be alone, and other times is outgoing and enjoys socializing. In other words, an ambivert lies somewhere between an introvert and an extrovert. Introvert and extrovert are psychology terms that have taken on more general meanings. In pop culture, a person who is gregarious and thrives in lively social settings is often called an extrovert, and a person who prefers quiet and solitude and seems turned inward is often called an introvert. These are simplifications that don't account for all people's personalities or all aspects of their personalities, so the term ambivert was coined to fill the gap, using the Latin root ambi, meaning "both."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The brothers say they share similar personalities to their wives, describing themselves as ambiverts - sometimes quiet, sometimes outgoing, depending on the situation.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
Some people are more or less extroverted or introverted in different situations, and recent research also shows that many of us strike a personality balance between the two poles—more legitimately describing us as ambiverts.
From Forbes ● Aug. 18, 2013
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
