introvert

[ noun, adjective in-truh-vurt; verb in-truh-vurt ]
/ noun, adjective ˈɪn trəˌvɜrt; verb ˌɪn trəˈvɜrt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR introvert ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a shy person.
Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings (opposed to extrovert).
Zoology. a part that is or can be introverted.

adjective

Psychology. marked by introversion.

verb (used with object)

Origin of introvert

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

OTHER WORDS FROM introvert

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH introvert

extrovert introvert

Words nearby introvert

introspect, introspection, introspective, introsusception, introversion, introvert, intrude, intruder, intruder in the dust, intrusion, intrusive

VOCAB BUILDER

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.

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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? 

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

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.

 

 

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

Content related to introvert

“Introvert” vs. “Extrovert” Opposites attract—that's usually true for introvert-extrovert couples. So which one likes their quiet time, and which one wants to get out and socialize?
READ MORE

Words related to introvert

solitary, egotist, loner, egoist, narcissist, wallflower, brooder, autist

Example sentences from the Web for introvert

British Dictionary definitions for introvert

introvert

noun (ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)

psychol a person prone to introversion

adjective (ˈɪntrəˌvɜːt)

Also: introverted characterized by introversion

verb (ˌɪntrəˈvɜːt)

(tr) pathol to turn (a hollow organ or part) inside out
Compare extrovert

Word Origin for introvert

C17: see intro-, invert

Medical definitions for introvert

introvert
[ ĭn′trə-vûrt′, ĭn′trə-vûrt′ ]

v.

To turn or direct inward.
To concentrate one's interests upon oneself.
To turn a tubular organ or part inward upon itself.

n.

One whose thoughts and feelings are directed toward oneself.
An anatomical structure that is capable of being introverted.

Cultural definitions for introvert

introvert
[ (in-truh-vurt) ]

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.)