introversion

[ in-truh-vur-zhuhn, -shuhn, in-truh-vur- ]

noun

1. the act of introverting or the state of being introverted; a turning inward:

   intestinal introversion that will require surgery.

2. the tendency or quality of being introverted:

   intellectual introversion characterizing the post-Reformation period.

3. a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the tendency to prefer quiet solitude.
4. Psychology.
   1. the act of directing one's interest inward or to things within the self.
   2. the state of being concerned primarily with one's own thoughts and feelings rather than with the external environment. Compare extroversion ( def 2 ).

introversion

/ ˌɪntrəˈvɜːʃən /

noun

1. psychol the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts
2. pathol the turning inside out of a hollow organ or part

Derived Forms

• ˌintroˈversive, adjective

Other Words From

• in·tro·ver·sive [in-tr, uh, -, vur, -siv], in·tro·ver·tive [in-tr, uh, -, vur, -tiv], adjective
• non·in·tro·ver·sive adjective
• non·in·tro·ver·sive·ly adverb
• non·in·tro·ver·sive·ness noun
• un·in·tro·ver·sive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of introversion¹

First recorded in 1645–55 and in 1910–15 introversion fordef 4; from New Latin intrōversiōn- (stem of intrōversiō ); intro-, version

Example Sentences

Shadow is one of them but also synchronicity, introversion and extroversion, the collective unconscious.

From Los Angeles Times

With a malleable, mellow tone and bouncy bass lines, Olafsson was true to his word, exploring a tension between introversion and extroversion and giving each piece a dynamic topography.

From New York Times

For example, classical musicians typically score highly on introversion, which partly accounts for their ability to focus on the solitary practice necessary for developing technique before engaging in ensemble playing.

From Salon

He observed the way Rojas, despite his introversion, encouraged teammates to join him in the weight room and the way he would stay late in the coming years to help freshmen with their technique.

From Washington Post

So you hear her personal introversion in her music as well?

From New York Times

Related Words

• contemplation
• meditation
• reflection
• scrutiny
• self-examination
• soul-searching

More About Introversion

What does introversion mean?

Introversion is the state or quality of being an introvert—someone said to have a personality type that is shy and reserved.

Introversion is often contrasted with extroversion (the state or quality of being an extrovert) in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Introverts are said to prefer solitude and tend to focus on their own thoughts, while extroverts are the opposite—they focus on the outside world and are social and talkative. Someone who displays introversion can be described as introverted.

Example: My introversion is always whispering in my ear and telling me to leave the party early and go home and enjoy a book by myself.

Where does introversion come from?

The first records of introversion (and introvert) come from the 1600s—around the same as extrovert and extroversion. Introvert was used as a verb meaning “to turn one’s thoughts inward.” Such terms precede online personality quizzes by about 400 years—it wasn’t until the 1900s that they began to be popularly used in the context of psychology to refer 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 introversion as the quality of those who are reflective, reserved, sensitive, interested in abstract ideas, and who tend to thrive in familiar environments. In contrast, extroversion is displayed by those who are outgoing and who thrive in social situations. Most theories about personality types agree that a person usually has some elements of introversion and extroversion, even if one is stronger.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to introversion?

• introvert (noun)
• introverted (adjective)

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

• extroversion
• ambivert

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

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

How is introversion used in real life?

Introversion is often used in the context of personality tests that claim to be able to tell you what kind of personality type you are.

Sometimes I want to be social, and I go and text some friends, but suddenly introversion kicks in like "haha, no, you have socialized too much this week, brain tired", and I sit there, regretting my choices, with unread messages on my phone.

— Alex Liddell (@Liddellious) June 2, 2020

The deeper I delve into the topic of #introversion, the more suppressed anger from the past surfaces. Anger about how bad people treated me as a child/adolescent because of my quiet nature & how they made me feel like being an #introvert is a flaw. Need to heal these old wounds.

— The Introvert's Lifestyle (@innielifestyle) June 3, 2020

How to tell you've grown up:

Your favourite Ninja Turtle used to be Michelangelo because he was fun, but now it's Raphael because his brooding introversion is relatable.

— Adam Of Tall Trades 🇨🇦 (@adamof_alltrade) June 2, 2020

 

 

Try using introversion!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used to describe someone who displays introversion?

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