introspection
Americannoun
-
observation or examination of one's own mental and emotional state, mental processes, etc.; the act of looking within oneself.
- Synonyms:
- soul-searching, self-examination
-
the tendency or disposition to do this.
noun
Other Word Forms
- introspectional adjective
- introspectionist noun
- introspectively adverb
- introspectiveness noun
Etymology
Origin of introspection
First recorded in 1670–80; from Latin intrōspect(us) “looked within” (past participle of intrōspicere “to look within,” from intrō- intro- + -spicere, combining form of specere “to see, observe, look”) + -iō -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For all his introspection, Dunk wrongfully justifies his own survival as a transaction — a king-to-be traded for a commoner.
From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026
Judy, it turns out, has become a psychiatrist—as inclined toward introspection as Boritt was averse.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
Fighting talk from his players about the introspection sessions they have put themselves through since the implosions of the autumn were words that were not acted upon when the first test of their mettle arrived.
From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026
A droll moment of introspection is offered when Gordon disfigures his face with tape.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026
When it was over, he remained still, in profound introspection.
From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
