introversion

[ in-truh-vur-zhuh n, -shuh n, in-truh-vur- ]
/ ˌɪn trəˈvɜr ʒən, -ʃən, ˈɪn trəˌvɜr- /

noun

the act of introverting or the state of being introverted.
the quality, tendency, or disposition of being introverted.
Psychology.
  1. the act of directing one's interest inward or to things within the self.
  2. the state of being concerned primarily with one's own thoughts and feelings rather than with the external environment.Compare extroversion.

Origin of introversion

1645–55; 1910–15 for def 3; < New Latin intrōversiōn- (stem of intrōversiō). See intro-, version

OTHER WORDS FROM introversion

VOCAB BUILDER

What does introversion mean?

Introversion is the state or quality of being an introvert—someone said to have a personality type that is shy and reserved.

Introversion is often contrasted with extroversion (the state or quality of being an extrovert) in the study, classification, and popular discussion of personality types. Introverts are said to prefer solitude and tend to focus on their own thoughts, while extroverts are the opposite—they focus on the outside world and are social and talkative. Someone who displays introversion can be described as introverted.

Example: My introversion is always whispering in my ear and telling me to leave the party early and go home and enjoy a book by myself.

Where does introversion come from?

The first records of introversion (and introvert) come from the 1600s—around the same as extrovert and extroversion. Introvert was used as a verb meaning “to turn one’s thoughts inward.” Such terms precede online personality quizzes by about 400 years—it wasn’t until the 1900s that they began to be popularly used in the context of psychology to refer 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 introversion as the quality of those who are reflective, reserved, sensitive, interested in abstract ideas, and who tend to thrive in familiar environments. In contrast, extroversion is displayed by those who are outgoing and who thrive in social situations. Most theories about personality types agree that a person usually has some elements of introversion and extroversion, even if one is stronger.

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What are some other forms related to introversion?

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

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

How is introversion used in real life?

Introversion is often used in the context of personality tests that claim to be able to tell you what kind of personality type you are.

 

 

Try using introversion!

Which of the following words is LEAST likely to be used to describe someone who displays introversion?

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

Example sentences from the Web for introversion

British Dictionary definitions for introversion

introversion
/ (ˌɪntrəˈvɜːʃən) /

noun

psychol the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world or making social contacts
pathol the turning inside out of a hollow organ or part
Compare extroversion

Derived forms of introversion

introversive or introvertive, adjective

Medical definitions for introversion

introversion
[ ĭn′trə-vûrzhən, -shən ]

n.

The act or process of introverting or the condition of being introverted.
The direction of or tendency to direct one's thoughts and feelings toward oneself.

Other words from introversion

in′tro•versive (-vûrsĭv) adj.