extrovert

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 Is that person an extrovert who enjoys the company of others or the huggy-feely sort who gets physically close to others? — Andrea Kane, CNN, "Is there really such a thing as a 'super spreader'?," 12 June 2020 As a preschool assistant and karaoke DJ, she was used to being an extrovert. — USA Today, "Free advice, or at least solidarity, by the roadside," 9 June 2020 But while extroverts may be missing their posse and those floor-to-ceiling mirrors, introverts can finally dance like no one’s watching. — Sara Lieberman, WSJ, "Online Fitness Classes: 6 of the Most Entertaining," 5 June 2020 Twitter cannot rely on such a turbocharged engine of growth: while having friends is a human need, maintaining a soapbox is non-essential even for the world’s extroverts. — The Economist, "A tale of two social networks Twitter and Facebook have differing business models," 4 June 2020 Without that regular social stimulation, extroverts can feel lethargic, unhappy, and uncertain in their purpose. — Hadley Keller, House Beautiful, "How Home Projects Have Helped Me Learn to Love Being Alone," 7 May 2020 Nikki is an extrovert who works as a global partnership senior manager for a top technology company. — New York Times, "Desperately Seeking a Black Sperm Donor," 15 Apr. 2020 An extrovert is someone who gets his or her energy from other people. — Ryan Prior, CNN, "The extrovert's guide to social distancing," 23 Mar. 2020 He is known for being honest, a natural extrovert and loves people, loves technology, and having his clients’ best interests at heart. — Rebecca Maitland, Houston Chronicle, "Realtor of the week: Experience, creativity benefit McNitt’s clients," 2 May 2020

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.