introverted

Introverted means having a personality type that is shy and reserved.

Such a person can be called an introvert.

The terms introvert and extrovert are used in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Introverted people are said to prefer solitude and tend to focus on their own thoughts, while extroverted people are the opposite—they focus on the outside world and are social and talkative. Introverted people are said to exhibit introversion.

Example: Paula’s so introverted that there’s no doubt she’ll leave the party early to go home and finish the novel she’s reading.

The word introverted precedes online personality quizzes by a few hundred 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 introvert and introverted began to be popularly used in the context of psychology and personality types. Introverted 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, introverted people 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.

What are some other forms related to introverted?

• introvert (noun)
• introversion (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with introverted? 

• ambivert
• introduce

What are some words that often get used in discussing introverted?

• shy
• extrovert
• personality
• loner 
• antisocial
• solitude
• wallflower
• psychology

Introverted is often used in the context of personality tests that claim to be able to tell you what kind of personality type you are. People often label themselves as either introverted or extroverted, but a lot of research indicates that many people are a mixture of both.

One great thing about online classes is that the more introverted students have the same volume of voice as more extroverted ones on discussion boards. You get a better sense of how you are connecting with all of your students, not just those that speak up in class.

— Amber Benson (@AmberBenson) August 30, 2020

Let’s normalize people being shy/introverted without assuming they are stuck up.

— Laura Lee (@Laura88Lee) August 31, 2020

I’m getting introverted as I get older. I still enjoy going out but my social meter runs out soo fast lol. The handful of friends I have are either old or people I have deep connections with

— linds (@lindslmao) August 28, 2020

Which of the following words would probably NOT be used to describe people who consider themselves introverted?

A. outgoing
B. reflective
C. solitary
D. shy