introvert

[ noun adjective in-truh-vurt; verb in-truh-vurt ]

noun

1. a person who prefers calm environments, limits social engagement, or embraces a greater than average preference for solitude.
2. Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with their own thoughts and feelings. Compare extrovert ( def 2 ).
3. Zoology. a part that is or can be introverted, or turned in on itself.

adjective

1. having a disposition that is taxed by social engagement and energized by calm environments, resulting in the preference for quiet solitude.
2. Psychology. marked by introversion.

verb (used with object)

1. to turn inward:

   to introvert one's anger.

2. Psychology. to direct (the mind, one's interest, etc.) partly to things within the self.
3. Anatomy, Zoology. to turn (a hollow, cylindrical structure) in on itself; invaginate.

introvert

noun

1. psychol a person prone to introversion

adjective

1. Alsointroverted characterized by introversion

verb

1. tr pathol to turn (a hollow organ or part) inside out

introvert

1. A term introduced by the psychologist Carl Jung to describe a person whose motives and actions are directed inward. Introverts tend to be preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings and minimize their contact with other people. ( Compare extrovert .)

Other Words From

• non·in·tro·vert·ed adjective
• non·in·tro·vert·ed·ly adverb
• non·in·tro·vert·ed·ness noun
• un·in·tro·vert·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of introvert¹

First recorded in 1660–70; intro- + (in)vert

Word History and Origins

Origin of introvert¹

C17: see intro- , invert

Synonym Study

Many people mistake shy and introverted as synonyms. The observable behaviors of introverts and shy people are similar; both personalities are characterized by a quiet demeanor and subdued social engagement. However, shyness is associated with timidity and social anxiety. In contrast, introversion is characterized by a lack of interest in interpersonal engagement and a limited endurance for social drama. The distinct motivations of introverted or shy people to act in a retiring manner are as defining as the observable contrast between introverts and extroverts.

Example Sentences

Crusius, 21 years old, with wavy dark brown hair, sparse stubble collecting on his round chin, was awkward and introverted.

From Salon

“He was always very outgoing and friendly, but he started to become a lot more introverted,” his mother said.

From Los Angeles Times

Known for quietly helping local children in need, he was an introverted figure with undeniable influence, Mr Singh says.

From BBC

He was the home-schooled introvert who could complete five hours of push-ups a day from the age of five - and there was little time for friendship or socialising.

From BBC

A shy, introverted child, Sagi was more at ease around dogs than humans.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• observer

More About Introvert

What does introvert mean?

Where does introvert come from?

The word introvert precedes online personality quizzes by about 400 years. The first records of the word introvert come from the 1600s, when it was used as a verb meaning “to turn one’s thoughts inward.” It wasn’t until the 1900s that it began to be popularly used in the context of psychology as a noun referring 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 introverts as reflective, reserved, interested in abstract ideas, sensitive, and tending to thrive in familiar environments. In contrast, extroverts are thought to be outgoing and to thrive in social situations. Most theories about personality types agree that a person usually has some elements of introversion and some elements of extroversion. However, many of these theories state that one of those tends to be stronger.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to introvert?

• introverted (adjective)
• introversion (noun)

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

• ambivert
• introduce

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

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

How is introvert used in real life?

Introvert is often used in the context of personality tests that claim to be able to tell you what kind of personality type you are. People often label themselves as either an introvert or extrovert, but a lot of research indicates that many people are a mixture of both.

Life as an introvert:

– I love people
– People scare me
– Please invite me to your party
– I hate parties

— Il Caffè Nero (@_King_Wise) March 9, 2020

I'm not an introvert, but I don't like being around people for an extended period of time, nothing personal… I just enjoy my own company.

— Michael (@ItsHimMichael) February 26, 2015

I think more of y’all would realize your full potential if you collaborated with other creatives. Most creatives I meet are introverts (like me) and just don’t like being around ppl so u force yourself into doing everything on your own. Nobody can do everything.

— KATO ON THE TRACK (@KatoProducer) March 15, 2020

 

 

Try using introvert!

Which of the following words would probably NOT be used to describe people who call themselves introverts?

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