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extrovert

noun
ex·​tro·​vert | \ ˈek-strə-ˌvərt How to pronounce extrovert (audio) \
variants: or less commonly extravert

Definition of extrovert

: one whose personality is characterized by extroversion broadly : a gregarious and unreserved person — compare introvert entry 1
Synonyms & Antonyms Jung and the Extrovert Example Sentences Learn More about extrovert

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Synonyms & Antonyms for extrovert

Synonyms

backslapper, glad-hander

Antonyms

introvert, shrinking violet, wallflower

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Jung and the Extrovert

Extrovert (sometimes spelled extravert) means basically "turned outward"—that is, toward things outside oneself. The word was coined by the eminent psychologist C. G. Jung in the early 20th century. The opposite personality type, in Jung's view, was the introvert. Extroverts seem to be favored by societies such as ours, even though introverts seem to be on average more mentally gifted. Psychologists have said that the only personality traits that can be identified in newborn infants are shyness and lack of shyness, which are fairly close to—but not really the same as—introversion and extroversion.

Examples of extrovert in a Sentence

a natural extrovert, he mixes well in any social situation

Recent Examples on the Web

 The four letters that make up the 16 types stand for either introvert or extrovert, intuitive or sensory, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving. — Allie Volpe, Washington Post, "Four letters can say a lot: Why people put their Myers-Briggs personality types in their Tinder profiles," 15 Aug. 2019 But the extrovert quickly became bored and took the unconventional step of switching to sales. — Julio Ojeda-zapata, Twin Cities, "Former Chrysler CEO Lee Iacocca has died at age 94," 2 July 2019 But this is merely excitement and pleasure; with his highly emotional extrovert temperament, the chimpanzee likes to express his feelings in action. — National Geographic, "Jane Goodall’s original tale of chimpanzees still astonishes today," 17 Apr. 2019 Bean Boy, 7, the younger brother, is an extrovert, always cracking jokes. — Julia M. Chan, CNN, "Brothers with special needs star in a world without limits," 14 June 2019 The most extrovert of these expressions is Carnival; Swedes take a more stoic approach. — Vogue, "Swedish Chef Sofia Wood Shares Two Recipes for Semlor Pastries—Plus Schnayderman’s Shirts Offers a Calorie-Free Option," 4 Mar. 2019 Sure, extroverts have an easier time approaching strangers out of the blue. — Ellevate, chicagotribune.com, "How cold calling could actually work when you're networking," 12 July 2018 Spending eight hours a day with adolescents is intensely draining, even for extroverts. — WSJ, "Fed-Up Teachers Take Their Chances Elsewhere," 4 Jan. 2019 Her extravagant custom shades have been embraced by fashion extroverts like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga and become an Instagram fixture. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Lady Gaga’s Favorite Sunglasses Designer Just Created the Ultimate Bridal Accessory," 10 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'extrovert.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of extrovert

1918, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for extrovert

modification of German extravertiert, from Latin extra- + vertere

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More Definitions for extrovert

extrovert

noun
How to pronounce extrovert (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of extrovert

: a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people : an outgoing person

See the full definition for extrovert in the English Language Learners Dictionary

extrovert

adjective
ex·​tro·​vert
variants: also extravert \ ˈek-​strə-​ˌvərt How to pronounce extravert (audio) \

Medical Definition of extrovert

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: extroverted

extrovert

noun
variants: also extravert

Medical Definition of extrovert (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : one whose attention and interests are directed wholly or predominantly toward what is outside the self : one characterized by extroversion
2 : a gregarious and unreserved person — compare introvert

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