introspective

adjective

in·​tro·​spec·​tive ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv 

: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection

As a student, he was very quiet and introspective.

… encouraging a balance between the fast, upbeat songs and a band's more introspective side.

—David T. Lindsay

There's an interesting literature that suggests that when people are sad, they tend to pay attention to themselves. They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.

—Peter Salovey

introspectively adverb

This whole episode set me thinking introspectively, and led me gradually but imperatively to self-analysis—not of powers, but of motives.

—Bram Stoker

introspectiveness noun

Introversion is too often considered a sign of weakness when it should instead be an indication of strength, and associated with thoughtfulness, introspectiveness and independence.

—Jasmine Tatah

Examples of introspective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Evenings are low‑tech and introspective, with minimal phone use encouraged. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

One clip went viral—almost against his will—and suddenly, the introspective student in Bournemouth had an audience. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Mar. 2026

Inspired by Japanese forests, Le Labo takes a more introspective approach, blending citrus, fig, and cedarwood. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026

The material feels like a good fit for dark pop queen Eilish, known for her soulful and introspective lyrics and songs. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for introspective

• ineffective
• intellective
• irrespective
• nondirective
• nonselective
• retrospective
• unreflective
• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective