introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

introspect

ˌin-trə-ˈspekt 

verb

introspectional

ˌin-trə-ˈspek-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• self-contemplation
• self-examination
• self-observation
• self-questioning
• self-reflection
• self-scrutiny
• self-searching
• soul-searching

Examples of introspection in a Sentence

a moment of quiet introspection

not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship

Recent Examples on the Web

The gentle, nurturing energy of the Pink Moon may inspire introspection, gratitude and alignment with one's higher purpose or spiritual path, according to Spirituality and Health.com. —The Arizona Republic, 1 Apr. 2024

The equinox ushers you into unabashed introspection. —USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024

Change of heart suggests a level of introspection and sincerity that seems beyond her. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024

Here are some suggestions to help you get started: Self-reflect and evaluate: Take some time for introspection to identify the dissatisfying aspects of your career. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024

Away weaponize introspection in anthemic post-hardcore strokes on Deep Sage, their first album since 2018. —Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 15 Mar. 2024

The ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, Ramadan is a holy time for Muslims that includes introspection, communal prayer, and abstaining from food and drink from sun up until sun down—that means fasting for as many as 11 to 17 hours at a time. —Dua Aldasouqi, Health, 13 Mar. 2024

The candid 25-minute conversation continued thusly, mixing lighthearted moments with deep introspection and vulnerability. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024

Ortiz uses the essay’s premise to show how artists over time have referenced and responded to the movement through the lenses of the Afro-Surreal and Afrofuturism, which relate to surrealism’s broad ideas including introspection, liberation and history. —James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings

introspective

-ˈspek-tiv 

adjective

introspectively adverb

Medical Definition

introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion -ˈspek-shən 

: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

introspectional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective