introspective

American  

[in-truh-spek-tiv] / ˌɪn trəˈspɛk tɪv /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of introspective

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

Example Sentences

There was also criticism: some listeners and critics have argued that many of his songs started to sound alike, with his trademark husky, introspective delivery creating a sense of sameness across different films and genres.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

Housel: I hope they become more introspective and more willing to look in the mirror and ask what genuinely works for them, even if it’s totally different from what social media tells them to want.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

Reflecting that structure, many of the songs are solos, often introspective ballads, with varying, more upbeat collective numbers set mostly at Auggie’s school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 31, 2025

For as tender and quietly introspective as Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” eventually becomes, the Norwegian writer-director’s latest film opens in a frenzy.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2025

The man with their leads stuffed in the pockets of his orange fleece is Dr. Atchley, the Kansas University psychologist, an introspective former army captain turned scholar.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Related Words

• reflective
• thoughtful