introspection

American  

[in-truh-spek-shuhn] / ˌɪn trəˈspɛk ʃən /

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.

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introspection British  

/ ˌɪntrəˈspɛkʃən /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of introspection

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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."

From BBC

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

From BBC

Related Words

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