extrovert

[ ek-struh-vurt, -stroh- ]

noun

1. an outgoing, gregarious person who thrives in dynamic environments and seeks to maximize social engagement.
2. Psychology. a person characterized by extroversion; a person concerned primarily with the physical and social environment. Compare introvert ( def 2 ).

adjective

1. having a disposition that is energized through social engagement and languishes or chafes in solitude, resulting in a personality that is gregarious, outgoing, and sociable.
2. Psychology. marked by extroversion.

verb (used with object)

1. Psychology. to direct (the mind, one's interest, etc.) outward or to things outside the self.

extrovert

/ ˈɛkstrəˌvɜːt /

noun

1. a person concerned more with external reality than inner feelings

adjective

1. of or characterized by extroversion

   extrovert tendencies

extrovert

1. A term introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung to describe a person whose motives and actions are directed outward. Extroverts are more prone to action than contemplation, make friends readily, adjust easily to social situations, and generally show warm interest in their surroundings. ( Compare introvert .)

Derived Forms

• ˈextroˌverted, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extrovert¹

First recorded in 1665–75; extro- + Latin vertere “to turn”

Word History and Origins

Origin of extrovert¹

C20: from extro- (variant of extra- , contrasting with intro- ) + -vert, from Latin vertere to turn

Example Sentences

The self-described extrovert, who works as an organizer for the nonprofit Abundant Housing LA, said she so far hasn’t “gotten into a rhythm of being productive at a desk again.”

From Los Angeles Times

“We may be a little bit reserved sometimes and not as outgoing or as extrovert as US people, but we are welcoming,” she says as she heads off to join her family.

From BBC

So I put the introvert next to the extrovert.

From Los Angeles Times

Jelly Roll, a self-proclaimed “extrovert by nature” who was the Country Music Assn.’s new artist of the year in 2023, is the man behind hits including “Need a Favor” and “Save Me.”

From Los Angeles Times

My younger daughter, the extrovert in a family of introverts, planned her outfit with care, choosing to rep the "1989" era.

From Salon

More About Extrovert

What does extrovert mean?

An extrovert is someone said to have a personality type that is social and outgoing.

The term extrovert is often contrasted with the term introvert in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Extroverts enjoy being around other people and tend to focus on the outside world, while introverts are the opposite—they prefer solitude and tend to focus on their own thoughts. Someone who’s an extrovert can be described as extroverted or as displaying extroversion. Less commonly, the word can be spelled extravert.

Example: Giovanni was the kind of extrovert who gave everyone a personalized greeting upon entering the room.

Where does extrovert come from?

The first records of extrovert come from the 1600s—around the same as introvert. Both terms precede online personality quizzes by about 400 years, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that they began to be popularly used in the context of psychology to refer to people with certain personality types. The first part of extrovert is a variation of the prefix extra- (hence the variant spelling extravert), meaning “outside,” and the Latin vertere, meaning “to turn” (as in invert). Etymologically, introverts turn inward and extroverts turn outward.

While introverts are turning in for the night, extroverts are turning up at parties (and often texting their introvert friends to see if they’re coming). The concept of personality types like extrovert and introvert (among others) was developed by psychologist Carl Jung in the early 1900s. He described extroverts as responsive to other people, aggressive, and able to be quick with decision making. Extroverts thrive around other people, while introverts are thought to do best in familiar environments with less social uncertainty. Having some extroverted qualities is often seen as desirable. Though some people are highly extroverted, many personality type theories state that most people have at least some elements of introversion and extroversion.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to extrovert?

• extroverted (adjective)
• extroversion (noun)

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

• introvert
• ambivert
• extra

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

• outgoing
• social
• friendly
• talkative
• gregarious
• social butterfly
• personality
• type
• psychology

How is extrovert used in real life?

Extrovert is often used in the context of personality tests that claim to be able to tell you what kind of personality type you are. Many people label themselves as either an introvert or an extrovert, although most people have qualities of both.

Seems that natural extroverts are most often groomed for leadership roles.

— Daniel Brennan (@danbrennan73) October 7, 2017

Just a friendly reminder to all my extrovert friends who I love, if you FaceTime me without warning you will be arrested.

— Meaghan Oppenheimer (@MoppyOpps) April 14, 2020

My uni friends have all just taken a personality test – 4 introverts and 1 extrovert, and the extrovert has just said, crestfallen, 'hang on, do you mean you don't all get your energy from me like I do from you?' No mate we love you but have to have a little lie-down after.

— Kate hEUson (@katejhewson) April 30, 2020

 

 

Try using extrovert!

Which of the following would NOT be used to describe an extrovert?

A. outgoing
B. affable
C. gregarious
D. reserved