introvert

[ noun, adjective in-truh-vurt; verb in-truh-vurt ]

See synonyms for: introvert introverting on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement, or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude.
Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with their own thoughts and feelings.: Compare extrovert (def. 2).

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

adjectiveAlso in·tro·vert·ed .

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

verb (used with object)

to turn inward: to introvert one's anger.
Psychology. to direct (the mind, one's interest, etc.) partly to things within the self.

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

Origin of introvert

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

synonym study For introvert

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 words from introvert

non·in·tro·vert·ed, adjective
non·in·tro·vert·ed·ly, adverb
non·in·tro·vert·ed·ness, noun
un·in·tro·vert·ed, adjective

Words that may be confused with introvert

extrovert, introvert

Words Nearby introvert

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

How to use introvert in a sentence

Whether you’re a fabulous cook who loves to entertain, or, like me, an introvert who relishes a dinner of popcorn and ice cream, you’ve been influenced by Beard.
James Beard biography a luscious feast | Kathi Wolfe | October 22, 2020 | Washington Blade
This makes as little sense as being simultaneously an extreme extravert and an extreme introvert.
Believing in Monsters: David Livingstone Smith on the Subhuman - Facts So Romantic | Eric Schwitzgebel | September 11, 2020 | Nautilus
Furthermore, in the same way that few people are fully 100 percent extravert or fully 100 percent introvert, few of us are 100 percent egalitarian in our posture toward the world or 100 percent bigoted.
Believing in Monsters: David Livingstone Smith on the Subhuman - Facts So Romantic | Eric Schwitzgebel | September 11, 2020 | Nautilus
Gowtham V, a 13-year-old at Puvidham, is an introvert, his mother tells me.
Schools Teach Kids How to Survive the Future’s Harsh Climates | Charu Kasturi | August 7, 2020 | Ozy
Yes, introverts and extroverts do differ in important ways, but in fact they often grade imperceptibly into each other.
5 Psychology Terms You’re Probably Misusing (Ep. 334 Rebroadcast) | Stephen J. Dubner | January 9, 2020 | Freakonomics

Now 47-year-old Marina Berlusconi appears to be moving into politics—that is, if the camera-shy introvert really wants the job.
Could Silvio Berlusconi’s Daughter Take Over Italy, Too? | Barbie Latza Nadeau | May 10, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
A natural introvert, she has been utterly content with her relative anonymity.
Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington’s Memoir Offers Few Revelations | Robin Givhan | November 20, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
The acrembolic proboscis or frontal introvert of the Nemertine worms has a complete range.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 | Various
What is your impression of him as his being introspective or an introvert or an extrovert?
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Further, it is not the sign of an introvert to blow off on little things to your wife, as he did.
Warren Commission (9 of 26): Hearings Vol. IX (of 15) | The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
The markers introvert their marks and fall into desuetude—and the mummery is duly inaugurated.
The Army Mule and Other War Sketches | Henry A. Castle
The Major Maintainer hadn't merely been switched to introvert.
The Big Time | Fritz Reuter Leiber

British Dictionary definitions for introvert

introvert

noun(ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)

psychol a person prone to introversion

adjective(ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)

Also: introverted characterized by introversion

verb(ˌɪntrəˈvɜːt)

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

Origin of introvert

C17: see intro-, invert

Compare extrovert

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

Cultural definitions for introvert

introvert

[ (in-truh-vurt) ]

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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