introspective

adjective

in·​tro·​spec·​tive ˌin-trə-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce introspective (audio)
: characterized by examination of one's own thoughts and feelings : thoughtfully reflective : employing, marked by, or tending to introspection
As a student, he was very quiet and introspective.
… encouraging a balance between the fast, upbeat songs and a band's more introspective side.David T. Lindsay
There's an interesting literature that suggests that when people are sad, they tend to pay attention to themselves. They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.Peter Salovey
introspectively adverb
This whole episode set me thinking introspectively, and led me gradually but imperatively to self-analysis—not of powers, but of motives. Bram Stoker
introspectiveness noun
Introversion is too often considered a sign of weakness when it should instead be an indication of strength, and associated with thoughtfulness, introspectiveness and independence. Jasmine Tatah

Examples of introspective in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Aries rules your introspective 12th house of subconscious patterns and Jupiter’s lighting up your second house of finances and values, giving you the clarity to break free from old mental patterns that no longer serve you. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025 By all accounts, Asha was an introspective and talented child who wore pigtails and loved basketball and spending time with her older brother, O’Bryant. Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2025 Even when reflecting on being traded for the second time in his career, Wiggins was introspective and at peace about his new basketball chapter. James Jackson, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 Composed of frontwoman Lorena Pulgar, Martín Pérez Roa and Felipe Zenteno, all masters of synths, this Chilean trio has spent years crafting a sound that’s equal parts introspective and euphoric — a delicate balance of dreamy textures and irresistible pop melodies. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for introspective

Word History

First Known Use

1819, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of introspective was in 1819

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Cite this Entry

“Introspective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspective. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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