introvert

1 of 2

noun

in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

plural introverts

1

: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone

… introverts gain energy through solitude and quiet.

—Bill Howatt

His research further shows that about 70% of top executives are introverts.

—Linda Grant

Bill Gates is quiet and bookish, but apparently unfazed by others' opinions of him: he's an introvert, but not shy.

—Steven Aitchison

Note: Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world. The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person."

… she was, by other accounts, a "shy sensitive introvert" who was "afraid of people and felt most comfortable when she could shut the door and withdraw."

—Robert R. Harris

compare extrovert

2

: something (such as the retractile proboscis of some worms) that is or can be drawn in especially by invagination

introvert

2 of 2

verb

introverted; introverting; introverts

transitive verb

: to turn inward or in upon oneself or itself: such as

a

: to concentrate or direct upon oneself

… served the purpose of introverting aggressive intentions.

—Ernst Simmel

b

: to produce psychological introversion in

"… I had gone through some pretty hard deals, and it did introvert me. … "

—Joni Mitchell

Synonyms

Noun

• shrinking violet
• wallflower

Examples of introvert in a Sentence

Noun

although interested in the public welfare, he was too much of an introvert to consider personally running for political office

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The second most important factor is people's level of extroversion (with introverts feeling more alone). —Emily Peck, Axios, 21 Oct. 2024

Conversely, extroverts also are known to misread introverts’ slower response times as either lack of interest in a conversation, or an invitation to talk more. —Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2024

Verb

Crusius, 21 years old, with wavy dark brown hair, sparse stubble collecting on his round chin, was awkward and introverted. —Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024

This means that a significant portion of people, potentially up to half, have introverted tendencies. —Lien De Pau, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

(sense 2) noun derivative of introvert entry 2; (sense 1) back formation from introverted

Verb

borrowed from New Latin intrōvertere, from Latin intrō- intro- + vertere "to turn" — more at worth entry 4

First Known Use

Noun

1878, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Verb

1652, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

introvert

noun

in·​tro·​vert

ˈin-trə-ˌvərt

1

: a person who is concerned or interested mostly in one's own thoughts and ideas

2

: a person who is shy or reserved and enjoys spending time alone

introversion

ˌin-trə-ˈver-zhən

-shən

noun

introverted

-ˌvərt-əd

adjective

Medical Definition

introvert

1 of 2 noun

: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone

Note: Introverts are typically more comfortable interacting with small groups of people rather than large groups (as at parties). The psychologist C. G. Jung first introduced the terms introvert, introversion, extrovert, and extroversion in the early 1900s to describe personality types that focus a person's energy on either the inner or outer world. The terms introvert and extrovert have since become widely popularized, with introvert often broadly used to mean "a quiet or shy person." compare extrovert

introvert

2 of 2 transitive verb

in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

: to turn inward or upon itself

specifically : to produce psychological introversion in