extrovert

noun

ex·tro·vert | \ ˈek-strə-ˌvərt

variants: or less commonly extravert

Definition of extrovert

: one whose personality is characterized by extroversion broadly : a gregarious and unreserved person — compare introvert entry 1

Synonyms & Antonyms Jung and the Extrovert Example Sentences Learn More about extrovert

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Jung and the Extrovert

Extrovert (sometimes spelled extravert) means basically "turned outward"—that is, toward things outside oneself. The word was coined by the eminent psychologist C. G. Jung in the early 20th century. The opposite personality type, in Jung's view, was the introvert. Extroverts seem to be favored by societies such as ours, even though introverts seem to be on average more mentally gifted. Psychologists have said that the only personality traits that can be identified in newborn infants are shyness and lack of shyness, which are fairly close to—but not really the same as—introversion and extroversion.

Examples of extrovert in a Sentence

a natural extrovert, he mixes well in any social situation

Recent Examples on the Web

Bean Boy, 7, the younger brother, is an extrovert, always cracking jokes. — Julia M. Chan, CNN, "Brothers with special needs star in a world without limits," 14 June 2019 The most extrovert of these expressions is Carnival; Swedes take a more stoic approach. — Vogue, "Swedish Chef Sofia Wood Shares Two Recipes for Semlor Pastries—Plus Schnayderman’s Shirts Offers a Calorie-Free Option," 4 Mar. 2019 Sure, extroverts have an easier time approaching strangers out of the blue. — Ellevate, chicagotribune.com, "How cold calling could actually work when you're networking," 12 July 2018 Spending eight hours a day with adolescents is intensely draining, even for extroverts. — WSJ, "Fed-Up Teachers Take Their Chances Elsewhere," 4 Jan. 2019 Her extravagant custom shades have been embraced by fashion extroverts like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga and become an Instagram fixture. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Lady Gaga’s Favorite Sunglasses Designer Just Created the Ultimate Bridal Accessory," 10 Aug. 2018 Initial results show that extroverts are more likely than introverts to respond to messages that mirror their mood and reflect an understanding of it. — Benjamin Powers, WSJ, "Once More With Feeling: Teaching Empathy to Machines," 13 Dec. 2018 There’s a common misconception that Leos are extroverts 24/7. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What October's Leo Horoscope Means for You," 30 Sep. 2018 Studies and experts suggest this personality type processes social stimuli differently from extroverts, who don’t mind frequent interaction. — Melissa Lambarena, The Seattle Times, "Shh! Introverts share travel survival secrets," 18 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extrovert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.