introspection

noun

in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio)
: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introspect verb
introspectional adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for introspection 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of introspection was circa 1677

Dictionary Entries Near introspection

Cite this Entry

“Introspection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/introspection. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

introspection

noun
in·​tro·​spec·​tion ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio)
: an examination of one's own thoughts or feelings
introspective adjective
introspectively adverb

Medical Definition

introspection

noun
in·​tro·​spec·​tion -ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio)
: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
introspectional adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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