introvert

[in-truh-vurt, in-truh-vurt]

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.

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

noun

1. psychol a person prone to introversion

adjective

1. Also: introverted. characterized by introversion

verb

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

introvert

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.)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of introvert¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of introvert¹

C17: see _intro- , _invert

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

In fact, the mixed evidence strengthens the case: If performance gains came simply from hiring a mix of introverts and extroverts, the advantage would be easily replicated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In a spell of 24 deliveries, an introvert became a cult hero.

Read more on BBC

The truth is, as a natural introvert, Lemon prefers it that way.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The overwhelming performance of the Dodgers in this postseason has created an atmosphere in which even the famously introverted Sasaki feels comfortable joking in front of reporters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Extroverts, naturally, draw energy from conversation; even introverts often find brief bouts of sociability uplifting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• observer 

When To Use

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.