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.

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

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

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2015

Self-accusation was a phase of introspect in which she never indulged.

From The Triumph of Hilary Blachland by Mitford, Bertram

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