introspection

[in-truh-spek-shuhn]

noun

1. observation or examination of one's own mental and emotional state, mental processes, etc.; the act of looking within oneself.

   Synonyms: soul-searching, self-examination

2. the tendency or disposition to do this.

3. sympathetic introspection.

introspection

/ ˌɪntrəˈspɛkʃən /

noun

1. the examination of one's own thoughts, impressions, and feelings, esp for long periods

Other Word Forms

• introspectional adjective
• introspectionist noun
• introspectively adverb
• introspectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of introspection¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Latin intrōspect(us) “looked within” (past participle of intrōspicere “to look within,” from intrō- intro- + -spicere, combining form of specere “to see, observe, look”) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of introspection¹

C17: from Latin intrōspicere to look within, from _intro- + specere to look

Example Sentences

Ms. Smith, by contrast, was less about shock and volume and more concerned with merging introspection, darkness and poetry.

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Lincoln taught us that in our aspirations for “enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union” we must cultivate gratitude for our blessings and the introspection needed for improvement.

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Stripped back for the most part to just voice and piano, it’s an earnest work of introspection from a guy who knows how to make tenderness feel like strength.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Grande has been acting since she was a kid," noted the Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney, "and her quiet moments of introspection, anxiety or sadness show tender depths, as does her loyalty to Elphaba."

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"I don't know what that says, but I do think it is time for some introspection and retrospection about why this has occurred."

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Related Words

• contemplation 
• meditation 
• reflection 
• scrutiny 
• self-examination 
• soul-searching