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 Hermit: Virgo, the Hermit invites introspection and solitude this November. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024

Yes, these women would hate both mirrors and any form of introspection, but why not tell us more about Madeline’s issues with her mother? —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

Do liberals lack the introspection to see what went wrong? —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

That warrants not only introspection among Democrats, but a lot of quality analysis, too. —G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 6 Nov. 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