introspective

[ in-truh-spek-tiv ]

adjective

1. characterized by introspection, the act or process of looking into oneself.

Other Word Forms

• intro·spective·ly adverb
• intro·spective·ness noun
• nonin·tro·spective adjective
• nonin·tro·spective·ly adverb
• nonin·tro·spective·ness noun
• unin·tro·spective adjective
• unin·tro·spective·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of introspective¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin intrōspect(us), past participle of intrōspicere “to look within” + -ive ( def ); introspection ( def )

Example Sentences

Subtract, released in May 2023, presented a more understated, introspective side to the star's bubbly pop persona - with production from The National's Aaron Dessner.

From BBC

Kilmer’s gentle, introspective view of his artwork is especially stirring when remembering that, for many years, the actor was more famous for his reputation as a menace on film sets than for his performances.

From Salon

But I’d already discovered that the tall, introspective, good-looking man I was falling for had hidden depths.

From Los Angeles Times

The introspective Islandic and dynamic Chinese Canadian pianists sat side by side at Disney, their pianos facing opposite directions, their heads turning to make eye contact only when needing to coordinate a climax.

From Los Angeles Times

Creating the coffin was a deeply personal and introspective journey for Mueller.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reflective
• thoughtful