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

On the same day, Key told Test Match Special: "Freddie is loving coaching. Sometimes it is a trait that is not spoken about enough - he is kind. All of the things Fred can be: funny, extrovert. He is kind. It is an underrated quality."

From BBC

And then there’s the fact that my vision of myself as “an extrovert” was probably too simplistic in the first place.

From Slate