# introvert

/ˈɪntɹoʊˌvɝt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/introvert
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. personality type

noun · CEFR B2

someone who is quiet and gets their energy from spending time alone rather than with large groups of people.

For teachers: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion, typically preferring solitary activities to social ones and finding large gatherings draining.

- As an introvert, Mark usually needs a quiet evening at home after a busy week at the office.
- Psychologists suggest that an introvert may possess high levels of emotional intelligence, even if they appear reserved in professional networking environments.

### 2. to turn inward

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

to turn something inside out or move it toward the inside.

For teachers: to turn a part or organ inward or inside out; to direct one's thoughts or interests toward oneself.

- The doctor explained how the muscle can introvert under certain types of physical stress.
- The patient tended to introvert his frustrations rather than discussing them with his therapist, leading to increased internal tension.

### 3. zoology

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a part of an animal's body, like a worm's head, that can pull back inside itself.

For teachers: an anterior portion of certain invertebrates, such as sipunculid worms, that can be retracted or turned inside out.

- The worm pulled its introvert back into its body when it felt a vibration in the soil.
- The researcher observed the rapid retraction of the organism's introvert as a defensive response to the chemical stimulus in the water.

## Examples

- As an introvert, he prefers reading a book at home over going to parties.
- The team retreat was designed with introverts in mind, offering plenty of quiet breaks between the mandatory group brainstorming sessions.
- Modern workplace designs often fail the introvert, as open-plan offices strip away the physical boundaries necessary for deep, uninterrupted focus and quiet reflection.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.