Word
introspective
Phoneticsin·tro·spec·tive, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪntɹəˈspɛktɪv/
UK/ˌɪntɹəspˈɛktɪv/
Definition
adj. thinking deeply about your own feelings, thoughts, and experiences. You use this to describe someone who spends a lot of time looking inside themselves rather than focusing on the outside world.
adj. characterised by or directed toward the self; involving deep self-examination or self-reflection. Often used to describe a person's mental state or a piece of creative work that focuses on internal rather than external themes.
Examples
“He is an introspective person who prefers reading to social events.”
“The author's latest novel is highly introspective, focusing on the protagonist's internal struggle with identity.”
“The retreat was designed to encourage introspective reflection, providing a quiet environment where participants could explore their personal goals away from the distractions of daily life.”
Examples
simple
“He is an introspective person who prefers reading to social events.”
contextual
“The author's latest novel is highly introspective, focusing on the protagonist's internal struggle with identity.”
complex
“The retreat was designed to encourage introspective reflection, providing a quiet environment where participants could explore their personal goals away from the distractions of daily life.”
Real-World Examples
“But he shot to fame with his self-titled debut album, an introspective alternative to the brash and distorted sound of grunge that permeated the decade.” “Now it’s kind of reversed – they prefer the more introspective, quiet songs, and stuff that’s a little more genreless.” Etymology
From Latin intro "inward, within" (see intro-) + Latin specere "look at".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/introspective