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

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

While the company has been careful to keep looking forward during its turnaround, the investor day produced a fair bit of introspection and several looks back at what went wrong. —Evan Clark, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024

This is a time of introspection, release and endings. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 29 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