introversion

noun

in·​tro·​ver·​sion ˌin-trə-ˈvər-zhən 

-shən

1

: the act of introverting : the state of being turned inward or upon oneself or itself

introversion of an eyelash

… the introversion of the German policy-makers after World War II, seeking less of world limelight.

—Ronald Kayanja

2

psychology : the state of or tendency toward being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from one's own mental life : a personality trait or style characterized by a preference for or orientation to one's own thoughts and feelings

Note: The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung first introduced the terms introversion, introvert, extroversion, and extrovert in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world.

As a corporate trainer I'd always received high performance ratings. … Introversion had made me a good listener which put people at ease.

—Linda Harding-Bond

For all the things shyness is, there are a number of things it's not. For one, it's not simple introversion. If you stay home on a Friday night just because you prefer a good book to a loud party, you're not necessarily shy …

—Jeffrey Kluger

compare extroversion

introversive

ˌin-trə-ˈvər-siv 

-ziv

adjective

introversively adverb

Examples of introversion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His Brazilian nationality certainly helps, as does his more outspoken personality that could clash with Messi’s introversion. —Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

Yai’s unexpected introversion is overshadowed by her strange and enchanting presence, much like the saturated floral aroma. —Essence, 24 Apr. 2025

This, combined with the inherent nature of introversion, where socializing can be draining, makes the current landscape particularly taxing. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025

Contrary to popular belief, introversion isn't about shyness or social anxiety. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin intrōversiōn-, intrōversiō "a turning inward," from intrōvertere "to turn inward" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action; (sense 2) after German Introversion — more at introvert entry 2

Note: Regarding the use of Introversion by Carl jung in psychology see note at extroversion.

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for introversion

• extraversion
• extroversion
• reconversion
• retroversion
• animadversion
• bioconversion
• cardioversion
• interconversion
• seroconversion
• aspersion
• aversion
• conversion

Medical Definition

introversion

noun

in·​tro·​ver·​sion ˌin-trə-ˈvər-zhən, -shən 

1

: the state of being turned inward or upon itself

introversion of an eyelash

2

: the state of or tendency toward being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from one's own mental life : a personality trait or style characterized by a preference for or orientation to one's own thoughts and feelings

Note: The psychologist C. G. Jung first introduced the terms introversion, introvert, extroversion, and extrovert in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world.

compare extroversion

introversive

-ˈvər-siv, -ziv 

adjective

introversively adverb