introspection

[in-truh-spek-shuhn]

noun

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

   Synonyms: soul-searching, self-examination

2. the tendency or disposition to do this.

3. sympathetic introspection.

introspection

/ ˌɪntrəˈspɛkʃən /

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• introspectional adjective
• introspectively adverb
• introspectionist noun
• introspectiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of introspection¹

First recorded in 1670–80; from Latin intrōspect(us) “looked within” (past participle of intrōspicere “to look within,” from intrō- intro- + -spicere, combining form of specere “to see, observe, look”) + -iō -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of introspection¹

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

Example Sentences

For Evelyn tells his own story here, and he is not given to frank introspection.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Earlier this year, Ms. Case published an acclaimed memoir, and several songs here seem connected to that project’s introspection.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But a fresh listen to “Listen Without Prejudice” reveals a deeply personal record that’s interested in defining itself by introspection and progress.

Read more on Salon

Right now, though, I've lost him to the record store's vinyl bins, picking out old favourites by the Stone Roses, Brand New Heavies and Cypress Hill - and prompting a moment of introspection.

Read more on BBC

I would’ve never guessed that someone who looked like him would listen to music with such introspection.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contemplation 
• meditation 
• reflection 
• scrutiny 
• self-examination 
• soul-searching