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

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

Any people who refuse to introspect need to really examine their conscience as to why that is.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2015

"All these incidents should make us introspect... the country won't wait and people won't forget."

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2014

When we try to introspect the sensation of blue, all we can see is the blue; the other element is as if it were diaphanous.

From Essays in Radical Empiricism by James, William