inner-directed

[ in-er-di-rek-tid, -dahy- ]

adjective

1. guided by internalized values rather than external pressures.

inner-directed

adjective

1. guided by one's own conscience and values rather than external pressures to conform Compare other-directed

Derived Forms

• ˈinner-diˈrection, noun

Other Words From

• inner-di·rection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inner-directed¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

This is what Wilson was great at: volume, weight, sincerity and capturing deep, human, inner-directed presence.

From Washington Post

“I wanted to show that kind of brooding, contemplative, inner-directed person that’s the essence of the man.”

From Washington Post

The inner-directed aesthetic concerns a queen’s personal identity.

From Los Angeles Times

One is inner-directed, determined to build self-esteem.

From Los Angeles Times

A couple of passages can be read as inner-directed.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• boastful
• pompous
• self-absorbed
• selfish
• subjective