introspect

American

[in-truh-spekt] / ˌɪn trəˈspɛkt /

verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

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

introspect British

/ ˌɪntrəˈspɛkt /

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of introspect

First recorded in 1675–85; back formation from introspection

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

"When mistakes are made… we should review and introspect," one said.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2015

No more lovely trouting waters can angling introspect conceive than some of those in Northern Spain.

From Wild Spain (Espa?a agreste) Records of Sport with Rifle, Rod, and Gun, Natural History Exploration by Buck, Walter J.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023