introversion

[in-truh-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, in-truh-vur-]

noun

1. the act of introverting or the state of being introverted; a turning inward.

   intestinal introversion that will require surgery.

2. the tendency or quality of being introverted.

   intellectual introversion characterizing the post-Reformation period.

3. a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the tendency to prefer quiet solitude.

4. Psychology.

   1. the act of directing one's interest inward or to things within the self.

   2. the state of being concerned primarily with one's own thoughts and feelings rather than with the external environment.

introversion

/ ˌɪntrəˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. psychol the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts

2. pathol the turning inside out of a hollow organ or part

Other Word Forms

• introversive adjective
• introvertive adjective
• nonintroversive adjective
• nonintroversively adverb
• nonintroversiveness noun
• unintroversive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of introversion¹

First recorded in 1645–55 and in 1910–15 introversion for def. 4; from New Latin intrōversiōn- (stem of intrōversiō ); intro-, version

Example Sentences

Mitchell, best known for his work on “Peep Show,” is both extraordinarily entertaining and moving in his performance of true introversion, a personality type that’s only recently become more commonly understood.

From Salon

“Do they force musicians toward introversion and introspection or push back against that? Is that tension even allowed to exist?” he asked himself.

From Los Angeles Times

Newcastle's management were keen that each signing fitted the ethos of togetherness and team spirit, but the player's introversion is certainly no longer a hindrance to his performances.

From BBC

Shadow is one of them but also synchronicity, introversion and extroversion, the collective unconscious.

From Los Angeles Times

With a malleable, mellow tone and bouncy bass lines, Olafsson was true to his word, exploring a tension between introversion and extroversion and giving each piece a dynamic topography.

From New York Times

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does introversion mean?

Introversion is the state or quality of being an introvert—someone said to have a personality type that is shy and reserved.Introversion is often contrasted with extroversion (the state or quality of being an extrovert) in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Introverts are said to prefer solitude and tend to focus on their own thoughts, while extroverts are the opposite—they focus on the outside world and are social and talkative. Someone who displays introversion can be described as introverted.Example: My introversion is always whispering in my ear and telling me to leave the party early and go home and enjoy a book by myself.