introspect

American  

[in-truh-spekt] / ˌɪn trəˈspɛkt /

verb (used without object)

1. to practice introspection; consider one's own internal state or feelings.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to look into or examine (one's own mind, feelings, etc.).

introspect British  

/ ˌɪntrəˈspɛkt /

verb

1. (intr) to examine and analyse one's own thoughts and feelings

---

Other Word Forms

• introspection
  noun
• introspector
  noun
• introspectable
  adjective
• introspectible
  adjective
• introspective
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of introspect

First recorded in 1675–85; back formation from introspection

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

introspect

And rather than undiscerningly scouring ChatGPT tics from our prose, we can use them as cues to introspect.

From Slate ● Aug. 20, 2025

"Muslims should introspect why there's a sense of shortcomings within the community."

From BBC ● May 9, 2024

It also offers me a place to step back and introspect, minus the pressure of having answers.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 25, 2024

Over the past eight years, I’ve observed him listen, introspect, and take action, even where it would have been easier for him to stay the course.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 27, 2019

In order to introspect one must catch himself unawares, so to speak, in the very act of thinking, remembering, deciding, loving, hating, and all the rest.

From The Mind and Its Education by George Herbert Betts