ambivert

American  

[am-bi-vurt] / ˈæm bɪˌvɜrt /

noun

Psychology.

1. one whose personality type is intermediate between extrovert and introvert.

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ambivert British  

/ ˈæmbɪˌvɜːt, ˌæmbɪˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. psychol a person who is intermediate between an extrovert and an introvert

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Usage

What does ambivert mean? An ambivert is someone said to have a personality type that is in between that of an introvert (shy and reserved) and an extrovert (outgoing). Ambivert, introvert, and extrovert are all words used in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Extroverts are said to focus on the outside world, being social and talkative, while introverts are the opposite—more focused on their own thoughts. Example: As much as I love going out with friends, being an ambivert means that sometimes I’d just rather stay home and have some alone time.

Other Word Forms

• ambiversion
  noun

Etymology

Origin of ambivert

First recorded in 1925–30; ambi- + -vert, as in extrovert, introvert

Explanation

An ambivert is someone who sometimes prefers to be alone, and other times is outgoing and enjoys socializing. In other words, an ambivert lies somewhere between an introvert and an extrovert. Introvert and extrovert are psychology terms that have taken on more general meanings. In pop culture, a person who is gregarious and thrives in lively social settings is often called an extrovert, and a person who prefers quiet and solitude and seems turned inward is often called an introvert. These are simplifications that don't account for all people's personalities or all aspects of their personalities, so the term ambivert was coined to fill the gap, using the Latin root ambi, meaning "both."