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 The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is already a time of introspection, with an increased emphasis on reading the Quran and helping others. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 As Stabenow began searching for a solution, leaders in the state party were doing their own introspection. USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 The album result of all that introspection made the rounds of year-end critics lists, from Rolling Stone to Pitchfork, with Rodrigo topping year-end lists at People magazine and Billboard. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 20 Feb. 2024 The eight-episode drama kicks off as adolescent firebrand Erika (Mar Isern) unwittingly provokes a wave of introspection after an uncut video of her Rubenesque body goes viral. Holly Jones, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024 This intensity of devotion and artistic inspiration are on full display in the movie, but the sense of creative fire, of intense concentration and introspection, doesn’t carry over to the way that the musicians are filmed. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Feb. 2024 Yet between its plot-point breadcrumbs is an inherent relatability embedded in Taylor's never-better introspection. Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 6 Feb. 2024 Compared to Thanksgiving and Christmas, where debates emerge over which family member makes the best mac and cheese, the menu for New Year’s Eve consists of slow cooked greens, meats, and legumes which presents a moment for prayer and introspection. Essence, 27 Dec. 2023 Her work delves into the realms of autobiography and introspection, with a keen interest in challenging and understanding personal and societal narratives. Photovogue, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'introspection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!