introspect

American  

[in-truh-spekt] / ˌɪn trəˈspɛkt /

verb (used without object)

1. to practice introspection; consider one's own internal state or feelings.

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verb (used with object)

1. to look into or examine (one's own mind, feelings, etc.).

introspect British  

/ ˌɪntrəˈspɛkt /

verb

1. (intr) to examine and analyse one's own thoughts and feelings

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Other Word Forms

• introspectable
  adjective
• introspectible
  adjective
• introspection
  noun
• introspective
  adjective
• introspector
  noun

Etymology

Origin of introspect

First recorded in 1675–85; back formation from introspection

Example Sentences

Not to go all Charlie Brown here – and yes, a Peanuts-themed fireplace exists on the Interwebs – but might we introspect about these commercialist and consumerist bells and whistles leading us astray?

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2025

And rather than undiscerningly scouring ChatGPT tics from our prose, we can use them as cues to introspect.

From Slate • Aug. 20, 2025

It also offers me a place to step back and introspect, minus the pressure of having answers.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 25, 2024

Over the past eight years, I’ve observed him listen, introspect, and take action, even where it would have been easier for him to stay the course.

From The Guardian • Aug. 27, 2019

In the language of the psychologist, we must introspect.

From The Mind and Its Education by Betts, George Herbert