introspection

[ in-truh-spek-shuhn ]

/ ˌɪn trəˈspɛk ʃən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR introspection ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

observation or examination of one's own mental and emotional state, mental processes, etc.; the act of looking within oneself.

the tendency or disposition to do this.

sympathetic introspection.

Nearby words

Origin of introspection

1670–80; < Latin intrōspect(us), past participle of intrōspicere to look within (equivalent to intrō- intro- + spec(ere) to look + -tus past participle suffix) + -ion

SYNONYMS FOR introspection

1. self-examination, soul-searching.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR introspection ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsin·tro·spec·tion·al, adjectivein·tro·spec·tion·ist, noun, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for introspection

Still, some introspection on the part of Hillel International might be worthwhile.
Swarthmore Hillel Breaks From Guidelines Over Ban on ‘Anti-Zionist’ Speakers|Elisheva Goldberg|December 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Introspection might be your bag, or you might prefer to be a spectator.
The 15 Best Things to See at Frieze Art Fair London 2013|Chloë Ashby|October 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The most startling thing about Babbitt today is not its satire but the haunting, if brief, moments of introspection.
American Dreams: 'Babbitt' by Sinclair Lewis|Nathaniel Rich|March 19, 2012|DAILY BEAST
A salty pragmatism runs throughout, and only a modicum of introspection is encouraged.
Advice From the Oldest Americans|Casey Schwartz|October 29, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Introspection is majorly in order, as you address certain excesses and make strides to temper them.
What the Stars Hold for Your Week, June 26-July 2, 2011|Starsky + Cox|June 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The boy's character was a compound of sensibility and hard rebelliousness, virility and introspection.
The Red and the Black|Stendhal
Now everything that can be apprehended by the senses or by introspection exists at some particular time.
The Problems of Philosophy|Bertrand Russell
In Japan introspection received early and powerful impetus from the religion of Buddha.
Evolution Of The Japanese, Social And Psychic|Sidney L. Gulick
However, as she opened her napkin that evening the rush and emotional strain of the day brought a certain flash of introspection.
The Readjustment|Will Irwin
William James's theory of introspection, which Dunlap next examines, does not assume a single observer.
The Analysis of Mind|Bertrand Russell

British Dictionary definitions for introspection

introspection

/ (ˌɪntrəˈspɛkʃən) /

noun

the examination of one's own thoughts, impressions, and feelings, esp for long periods

Derived Formsintrospectional or introspective, adjectiveintrospectionist, nounintrospectively, adverbintrospectiveness, noun

Word Origin for introspection

C17: from Latin intrōspicere to look within, from intro- + specere to look

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

Word Origin and History for introspection

introspection

1670s, noun of action from past participle stem of Latin introspicere "to look into, look at," from intro- "inward" (see intro-) + specere "to look at" (see scope (n.1)).

Medicine definitions for introspection

introspection

[ ĭn′trə-spĕk′shən ]

n.

Contemplation of one's own thoughts, feelings, and sensations; self-examination.

Related formsin′tro•spect′ v.in′tro•spec′tive (-tĭv) adj.

introspection

noun

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of introspection

Examples from the Web for introspection

introspection

noun

Word Origin for introspection

introspection

introspection

n.