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

Raducanu has just suffered one of the most demoralising Grand Slam defeats of her career, mitigated by an off-season beset by a foot injury, with seemingly more introspection about where she is heading.

From BBC

But, nearly four decades later, the introspection is gone and Museveni -- once hailed in the West as a model African leader committed to good governance -- has joined the ranks of those he once criticised.

From Barron's

This humiliation should spark some deep introspection among the hierarchy at Celtic Park and with it, a question: Is this a great football club or is it not?

From BBC

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

Related Words

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