introspection
in-truh-SPEK-shun
/ˌɪntrəˈspekʃən/
The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.
Implies a deep, often solitary, self-reflection.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 17th century from Latin 'intro' (inward) and 'specere' (to look). It describes the mind turning its 'eye' away from the world and toward itself.
Word relationships
- self-reflection: Self-reflection is the common term; introspection is more formal and often used in psychology.
- soul-searching: Soul-searching implies a more emotional or moral struggle.
- extrospection: The observation of things external to the self.
Commonly confused with
- retrospection: Retrospection is looking at your past; introspection is looking at your current internal state.
Word family
- introspective (adjective): Characterized by introspection.
Collocations
- period of introspection
- deep introspection
- quiet introspection
Example sentences
- "After the breakup, he spent weeks in quiet introspection, trying to understand his own mistakes." Psychology
- "The novel is famous for its long passages of introspection, where the hero debates his own morality." Literature
Memory hook
Intro (inside) + spect (look) = looking inside yourself. Looking inside.
When not to use
Do not use for just 'thinking'; use it for analyzing your own motives or feelings.
Fun facts
- Introspection was once the primary method of experimental psychology in the late 19th century.
Related words
Explore more words
introspective, contemplative, deliberate, self-reproach, soliloquy, reticent
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