introversion

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

See synonyms for: introversion introvertive on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of introverting or the state of being introverted; a turning inward: intestinal introversion that will require surgery.
the tendency or quality of being introverted: intellectual introversion characterizing the post-Reformation period.

a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the tendency to prefer quiet solitude.
Psychology.
- the act of directing one's interest inward or to things within the self.
- the state of being concerned primarily with one's own thoughts and feelings rather than with the external environment.: Compare extroversion (def. 2).

Origin of introversion

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

Other words from introversion

in·tro·ver·sive [in-truh-vur-siv], /ˌɪn trəˈvɜr sɪv/, in·tro·ver·tive [in-truh-vur-tiv], /ˌɪn trəˈvɜr tɪv/, adjective
non·in·tro·ver·sive, adjective
non·in·tro·ver·sive·ly, adverb
non·in·tro·ver·sive·ness, noun
un·in·tro·ver·sive, adjective

Words Nearby introversion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use introversion in a sentence

For five weeks I forced myself to sit at my house table, figuring that my reluctance was a residue of my introversion.
Freshman Year Sucks—and That’s OK | Eleanor Hyun | November 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
She was also drawn to qualities in Vadim that reminded her of her father: his introversion, his moodiness, his seductive demeanor.
Jane Fonda’s New Biography: 14 Juicy Bits | Lizzie Crocker | August 23, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
But her sociability and openness will make her a good partner for Will, balancing his introversion with her outgoing nature.
What Will and Kate's Handwriting Reveals | The Daily Beast | April 28, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
The word self infects them with a fixed introversion and isolation.
Human Nature and Conduct | John Dewey
For some time I have employed the concept of introversion for this condition.
Collected Papers on Analytical Psychology | C. G. Jung

A gradual mental introversion grew upon me as physical weakness increased.
Wonders of the Yellowstone | James Richardson
This habit of introversion and lack of practicality changed its forms as he grew older, but never left him.
Literary Celebrities of the English Lake-District | Frederick Sessions
The introversion of spirit begins (Socrates—Luther), though Pericles is wanting in this epoch.
The World's Greatest Books--Volume 14--Philosophy and Economics | Various

British Dictionary definitions for introversion

introversion

/ (ˌɪntrəˈvɜːʃən) /

noun

psychol the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts
pathol the turning inside out of a hollow organ or part

Compare extroversion

Derived forms of introversion

introversive or introvertive, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse