introspection

noun
in·​tro·​spec·​tion | \ ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio) \

Definition of introspection

: a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

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Other Words from introspection

introspect \ ˌin-​trə-​ˈspekt How to pronounce introspect (audio) \ verb
introspectional \ ˌin-​trə-​ˈspek-​shnəl How to pronounce introspectional (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl \ 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

On and on, the uppermost words breaking up and floating away, a Star Wars crawl of Buddhist introspection. Peter Rubin, WIRED, "Apple Puts the AR in 'Art' (and in 'Transparent Sky-Being')," 16 Aug. 2019 But that kind of introspection was rare at Netroots Nation. John Fund, National Review, "Progressives Are Convinced That Trump Is Toast," 21 July 2019 The 1972 kidnapping and murder of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists during the Munich Olympic Games also led to a bout of national introspection. Ruth Bender, WSJ, "German Terror Police Probe Politician’s Killing," 17 June 2019 His proclivity for introspection, buying his own groceries and riding motorcycles have just made fans fall more and more in love with the star. Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Chris Evans Fanboys Over Keanu Reeves' Hilarious Toy Story 4 Recording Session as Duke Caboom," 14 June 2019 Gers are considered public spaces—the vast outdoors has plenty of room for introspection. National Geographic, "EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC," 26 Mar. 2019 This process prompts a level of introspection that the average person cannot accomplish on their own. Wendy Rose Gould, NBC News, "How to get better at admitting you're wrong," 6 June 2019 During the new moon in Aries on Friday, April 5, use your introspection to get to the heart of your spending habits. Randon Rosenbohm, Allure, "What April’s Pisces Horoscope Means for You," 31 Mar. 2019 As an actor working during the turbulent psychosexual introspection of ‘70s-era Hollywood, Reynolds embodied the image of the red-blooded American male. Aja Romano, Vox, "Burt Reynolds, ’70s icon and movie star, is dead at 82," 6 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'introspection.' 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 introspection

circa 1677, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for introspection

Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy

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More Definitions for introspection

introspection

noun

English Language Learners Definition of introspection

: the process of examining your own thoughts or feelings

introspection

noun
in·​tro·​spec·​tion | \ -ˈspek-shən How to pronounce introspection (audio) \

Medical Definition of introspection

: an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

Other Words from introspection

introspectional \ -​shnəl, -​shən-​ᵊl How to pronounce introspectional (audio) \ adjective

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