introspective

[in-truh-spek-tiv]

adjective

1. characterized by introspection, the act or process of looking into oneself.

Other Word Forms

• introspectively adverb
• introspectiveness noun
• nonintrospective adjective
• nonintrospectively adverb
• nonintrospectiveness noun
• unintrospective adjective
• unintrospectively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of introspective¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin intrōspect(us), past participle of intrōspicere “to look within” + -ive ( def. ); introspection ( def. )

Example Sentences

There are evolving displays of solo and group dances, some madly driven, others intently introspective.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Beyond that, Hopkins prefers to avoid “an introspective analysis.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He is an introspective person, she says, and is willing to challenge his own ideas, including the ones he put forth when creating the company.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In a risky career move, Springsteen turns introspective, digesting the short stories of Flannery O’Connor and Howard Zinn’s “People’s History of the United States.”

Read more on Salon

In a certain light, it's a gamble: Ditching the cheesy retro rock of his Eurovision smash Space Man for a more introspective, authentic sound.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• reflective 
• thoughtful