introvert

1 of 2

noun

in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

plural introverts

1

: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone

… introverts gain energy through solitude and quiet.

—Bill Howatt

His research further shows that about 70% of top executives are introverts.

—Linda Grant

Bill Gates is quiet and bookish, but apparently unfazed by others' opinions of him: he's an introvert, but not shy.

—Steven Aitchison

Note: Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world. The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person."

… she was, by other accounts, a "shy sensitive introvert" who was "afraid of people and felt most comfortable when she could shut the door and withdraw."

—Robert R. Harris

compare extrovert

2

: something (such as the retractile proboscis of some worms) that is or can be drawn in especially by invagination

introvert

2 of 2

verb

introverted; introverting; introverts

transitive verb

: to turn inward or in upon oneself or itself: such as

a

: to concentrate or direct upon oneself

… served the purpose of introverting aggressive intentions.

—Ernst Simmel

b

: to produce psychological introversion in

"… I had gone through some pretty hard deals, and it did introvert me. … "

—Joni Mitchell

Synonyms

Noun

• shrinking violet
• wallflower

Examples of introvert in a Sentence

Noun

although interested in the public welfare, he was too much of an introvert to consider personally running for political office

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Vann describes himself as a precocious introvert who wants to learn the ways of the land. —Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025

Leaders can model this behavior by pausing after asking questions, giving introverts time to contribute without interruption. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Verb

As a leader, though, he was introverted and tentative. —Ruth Margalit, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

Many parents are introverted and/or don’t want a house full of their kids’ friends. —Eric Thomas, Baltimore Sun, 1 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

(sense 2) noun derivative of introvert entry 2; (sense 1) back formation from introverted

Verb

borrowed from New Latin intrōvertere, from Latin intrō- intro- + vertere "to turn" — more at worth entry 4

First Known Use

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1652, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

introvert

noun

in·​tro·​vert

ˈin-trə-ˌvərt

1

: a person who is concerned or interested mostly in one's own thoughts and ideas

2

: a person who is shy or reserved and enjoys spending time alone

introversion

ˌin-trə-ˈver-zhən

-shən

noun

introverted

-ˌvərt-əd

adjective

Medical Definition

introvert

1 of 2 noun

: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone

Note: Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist C. G. Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world. The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person." compare extrovert

introvert

2 of 2 transitive verb

in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

: to turn inward or upon itself

specifically : to produce psychological introversion in