introvert

American  

[in-truh-vurt, in-truh-vurt] / ˈɪn trəˌvɜrt, ˌɪn trəˈvɜrt /

noun

1. a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement, or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude.

2. Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with their own thoughts and feelings.

3. Zoology. a part that is or can be introverted, or turned in on itself.

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adjective

1. having a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the preference for quiet solitude.

2. Psychology. marked by introversion.

verb (used with object)

1. to turn inward.

   to introvert one's anger.

2. Psychology. to direct (the mind, one's interest, etc.) partly to things within the self.

3. Anatomy, Zoology. to turn (a hollow, cylindrical structure) in on itself; invaginate.

introvert British  

noun

1. psychol a person prone to introversion

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adjective

1. Also: introverted.  characterized by introversion

verb

1. (tr) pathol to turn (a hollow organ or part) inside out

introvert Cultural  

1. A term introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung to describe a person whose motives and actions are directed inward. Introverts tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and minimize their contact with other people. (Compare extrovert.)

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Usage

Where does introvert come from? The word introvert precedes online personality quizzes by about 400 years. The first records of the word introvert come from the 1600s, when it was used as a verb meaning “to turn one’s thoughts inward.” It wasn’t until the 1900s that it began to be popularly used in the context of psychology as a noun referring to a person with a certain personality type. Introvert is formed from the prefix intro-, meaning “inwardly” or “within,” and the root vert, meaning “to turn” (as in invert).The concept of introversion and introverts (and other personality types) was popularized by psychologist Carl Jung in the early 1900s. According to Jung, introverts are people who tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and minimize their contact with other people. Today, we often think of introverts as reflective, reserved, interested in abstract ideas, sensitive, and tending to thrive in familiar environments. In contrast, extroverts are thought to be outgoing and to thrive in social situations. Most theories about personality types agree that a person usually has some elements of introversion and some elements of extroversion. However, many of these theories state that one of those tends to be stronger.

Related Words

Many people mistake shy and introverted as synonyms. The observable behaviors of introverts and shy people are similar; both personalities are characterized by a quiet demeanor and subdued social engagement. However, shyness is associated with timidity and social anxiety. In contrast, introversion is characterized by a lack of interest in interpersonal engagement and a limited endurance for social drama. The distinct motivations of introverted or shy people to act in a retiring manner are as defining as the observable contrast between introverts and extroverts.

Other Word Forms

• nonintroverted adjective
• nonintrovertedly adverb
• nonintrovertedness noun
• unintroverted adjective

Etymology

Origin of introvert

First recorded in 1660–70; intro- + (in)vert

Example Sentences

"People who live alone at any stage of their life need something like this, as do introverts, those with depression, the unemployed and others in vulnerable situations," said one user on Chinese social media.

From BBC

But I also loved my alone time, so I guess I was an extroverted introvert.

From The Wall Street Journal

Office introverts want the boss to understand their plight.

From The Wall Street Journal

“For introverts, that might come through as really thoughtful questions and deeply considered ideas.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The pandemic was great for introverts, sourdough bread enthusiasts, and retail stocks.

From Barron's

Related Words

• observer