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 They become withdrawn and introspective and very aware of their body and their mind and not very aware of the external world.Peter Salovey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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The exhibition’s title may be viewed as an invitation to embark on an introspective journey toward spiritual enlightenment. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, ARTnews.com, 27 Mar. 2025 But save for a handful of true reimaginings—Tim Burton’s introspective take on Dumbo in 2019, or Niki Caro’s martial-arts-heavy Mulan from 2020, which went underseen largely because of COVID-19 restrictions—the bulk of these endeavors have been copy-and-paste jobs. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 24 Mar. 2025 The excellent debut project is a stark departure from the punk sounds of his past and instead taps into introspective, psychedelic rock in both English and Spanish. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025 That has had the locker room turning introspective. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 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 2 Apr. 2025.

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