introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

introspect

ˌin-trə-ˈspekt 

verb

introspectional

ˌin-trə-ˈspek-sh(ə-)nəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• self-contemplation
• self-examination
• self-observation
• self-questioning
• self-reflection
• self-scrutiny
• self-searching
• soul-searching

Examples of introspection in a Sentence

a moment of quiet introspection

not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship

Recent Examples on the Web

With the moon reaching its peak in Taurus (and your 12th house of healing) on the same day, this is an invitation for introspection and self-care. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

The High Priestess card suggests a period of deep introspection and spiritual growth. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024

Related Articles Feds probe racist ‘cotton-picking’ texts sent to Black Americans Stephens: Do liberals lack the introspection to see what went wrong? —Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024

Positioned in our main lobby, Aphrodite is a conversation starter and a moment of introspection, perfectly aligned with the resort’s atmosphere of self-discovery. —Laura Parker, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən 

: an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings

introspective

-ˈspek-tiv 

adjective

introspectively adverb

Medical Definition

introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion -ˈspek-shən 

: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

introspectional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective