introspective
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of introspective
First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin intrōspect(us), past participle of intrōspicere “to look within” + -ive ( def. ); see introspection ( def. )
Explanation
Someone who is introspective spends considerable time examining his own thoughts and feelings. If you take to your diary after an unhappy break-up, you are being introspective. The Latin word introspicere means to look inside, and that's what an introspective person does, metaphorically speaking. It's different from meditative and pensive in that they can refer to contemplating anything, whereas introspection involves specifically contemplating yourself.
Vocabulary lists containing introspective
Common Senses: Spec, Spect, Spic ("Look")
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "I"
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Think Like Sherlock: It's Elementary
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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.
I found him quirky, introspective, and slightly nerdy.
From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2026
She found that she wasn’t immune to being introspective about middle age.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
“The more introspective songs that come later on are more in his new wheelhouse.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 20, 2026
But look past all that technical prowess, and you’ll find a remarkably introspective story about the complexities of integrity, examining the choices we make and the sacrifices we endure to become truer versions of ourselves.
From Salon ● May 1, 2026
It was a relief when the Guards had pounded out of sight and the rest could resume their introspective trudging.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
