introspective
Americanadjective
-
characterized by introspection, the act or process of looking into oneself.
Other Word Forms
- introspectively adverb
- introspectiveness noun
- nonintrospective adjective
- nonintrospectively adverb
- nonintrospectiveness noun
- unintrospective adjective
- unintrospectively adverb
Etymology
Origin of introspective
First recorded in 1800–10; from Latin intrōspect(us), past participle of intrōspicere “to look within” + -ive ( def. ); introspection ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But it’s poignantly introspective on tracks like “What Is Left to Say” and “I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
Andrew was the loud, bullish, outgoing child, said to be the favourite of his mother, while Charles was the thoughtful, introspective, serious older brother, carrying the weight of responsibility as heir.
From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026
Housel: I hope they become more introspective and more willing to look in the mirror and ask what genuinely works for them, even if it’s totally different from what social media tells them to want.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026
There are evolving displays of solo and group dances, some madly driven, others intently introspective.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025
But I see I am becoming unduly introspective, and in a rather morose sort of way at that.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.