introversion

C2 Topic:Mind & Cognition
US /ɪntɹəˈvəɹʒən/ UK /ɪntɹəʊˈvɜːʃən/
noun Freq #173210

Meanings

  1. 1
    noun

    a personality orientation toward one's inner thoughts and feelings, often accompanied by a preference for lower-stimulation or solitary settings

    Her introversion made quiet evenings more restorative than crowded parties.

  2. 2
    noun

    the act or process of turning inward or withdrawing from external concerns

    The community's growing introversion left it increasingly isolated from its neighbors.

  3. 3
    noun

    the folding inward of a part or layer in anatomy or biology

    The surgeon corrected the introversion of the eyelid before it damaged the cornea.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 noun · a personality orientation... inwardnessintrovertedness
2 noun · the act or process of... withdrawalinward turningretreat
3 noun · the folding inward of a... invaginationinfoldingintussusception
Opposites
extroversionextraversionoutwardness
Word family
Derived forms introversive
Related forms introvertintrospectioninversion

Etymology

From New Latin introversio, based on Latin intro, 'within,' and vertere, 'to turn.' The psychological sense applies the literal idea of turning inward to attention directed chiefly toward one's internal life.

Topics

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