introvert

[ noun, adjective in-truh-vurt; verb in-truh-vurt ]
See synonyms for: introvertintroverting on Thesaurus.com

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.: Compare extrovert (def. 2).

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

adjectiveAlso in·tro·vert·ed .
  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.

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

Origin of introvert

1
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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use introvert in a sentence

  • I felt my mind flinch, because Introverting a Place is several degrees worse than foxholing.

    The Big Time | Fritz Reuter Leiber

British Dictionary definitions for introvert

introvert

noun(ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)
  1. psychol a person prone to introversion

adjective(ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)
  1. Also: introverted characterized by introversion

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

Origin of introvert

1
C17: see intro-, invert

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.)

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.