introvert

American  

[in-truh-vurt, in-truh-vurt] / ˈɪn trəˌvɜrt, ˌɪn trəˈvɜrt /

noun

1. a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement, or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude.

2. Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with their own thoughts and feelings.

3. Zoology. a part that is or can be introverted, or turned in on itself.

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adjective

1. having a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the preference for quiet solitude.

2. Psychology. marked by introversion.

verb (used with object)

1. to turn inward.

   to introvert one's anger.

2. Psychology. to direct (the mind, one's interest, etc.) partly to things within the self.

3. Anatomy, Zoology. to turn (a hollow, cylindrical structure) in on itself; invaginate.

introvert British  

noun

1. psychol a person prone to introversion

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adjective

1. Also: introverted.  characterized by introversion

verb

1. (tr) pathol to turn (a hollow organ or part) inside out

introvert Cultural  

1. A term introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung to describe a person whose motives and actions are directed inward. Introverts tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and minimize their contact with other people. (Compare extrovert.)

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Usage

Where does introvert come from? The word introvert precedes online personality quizzes by about 400 years. The first records of the word introvert come from the 1600s, when it was used as a verb meaning “to turn one’s thoughts inward.” It wasn’t until the 1900s that it began to be popularly used in the context of psychology as a noun referring to a person with a certain personality type. Introvert is formed from the prefix intro-, meaning “inwardly” or “within,” and the root vert, meaning “to turn” (as in invert). The concept of introversion and introverts (and other personality types) was popularized by psychologist Carl Jung in the early 1900s. According to Jung, introverts are people who tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and minimize their contact with other people. Today, we often think of introverts as reflective, reserved, interested in abstract ideas, sensitive, and tending to thrive in familiar environments. In contrast, extroverts are thought to be outgoing and to thrive in social situations. Most theories about personality types agree that a person usually has some elements of introversion and some elements of extroversion. However, many of these theories state that one of those tends to be stronger.

Related Words

Many people mistake shy and introverted as synonyms. The observable behaviors of introverts and shy people are similar; both personalities are characterized by a quiet demeanor and subdued social engagement. However, shyness is associated with timidity and social anxiety. In contrast, introversion is characterized by a lack of interest in interpersonal engagement and a limited endurance for social drama. The distinct motivations of introverted or shy people to act in a retiring manner are as defining as the observable contrast between introverts and extroverts.

Other Word Forms

• nonintroverted adjective
• nonintrovertedly adverb
• nonintrovertedness noun
• unintroverted adjective

Etymology

Origin of introvert

First recorded in 1660–70; intro- + (in)vert

Explanation

An introvert generally prefers solitary activities to interacting with large groups of people. If you would rather work through your feelings in your diary than have a conversation, then you are an introvert. Introvert comes from Latin intro-, "inward," and vertere, "turning." It describes a person who tends to turn inward mentally. Introverts sometimes avoid large groups of people, feeling more energized by time alone. The opposite of an introvert is an extrovert, who finds energy in interactions with others. Introvert can also be a verb, meaning literally to "fold inward," or to "turn inward," as when a child's personality seems to introvert once she starts elementary school.

Example Sentences

Even introvert ERGs can have trouble finding that balance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Read is an introvert and has appreciated how fellow Palisadians have been open about their grief.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2025

"Piano is more of an introvert instrument," she says.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

Syd, ever the introvert, could only handle a few minutes, then pulled me to move on.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2025

They were involute, introvert, indirect; they did not like questions and answers.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

Related Words

• observer