Word
introvert
Phoneticsin·tro·vert, stress on the first syllable
/ˈɪntɹoʊˌvɝt/
Definitions
01personality type
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who is quiet and gets their energy from spending time alone rather than with large groups of people.
n. 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.”
Pitfall
He is a very introvert person.
He is a very introverted person.
Use the adjective 'introverted' to describe a person's character before a noun, and the noun 'introvert' to label the person themselves.
Antonyms
02to turn inward
C1 · Advanced Technical · Formal
v. to turn something inside out or move it toward the inside.
v. 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.”
Antonyms
03zoology
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a part of an animal's body, like a worm's head, that can pull back inside itself.
n. 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.”
Real-World Examples
“Consider an introvert who goes to a party and strikes up a conversation with a stranger.” “Susan Cain’s 2012 book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, which several people have described to me as “life-changing”, was an instant bestseller.” “An introvert who wished to be more extraverted, for example, might have the goal of introducing themselves to a stranger once a week, or making small talk with the cashier at their local supermarket.” “For example, an introvert might feel that an idea is very clear in their head, but when they try to explain it to someone else, the other person doesn't get it.” Etymology
From New Latin intrōvertere, from intro- (“within”) and vertere (“to turn”). Popularized as a psychological term by the German works of Carl Jung. By surface analysis, intro- + -vert.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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