extrovert
EKS-truh-vurt
/ˈɛkstrəvɜːrt/
An energetic person who enjoys being around other people and derives energy from social interaction.
Focuses on psychological orientation toward external stimulation rather than just being loud.
The story behind the word. Coined in early 20th-century psychoanalysis by Carl Jung, combining Latin 'extra' (outside) and 'vertere' (to turn). It literally describes a mind turned outward toward the world.
Word relationships
- introvert: An introvert gains energy from solitude, whereas an extrovert gains energy from crowd interaction.
- introvert: An introvert turns inward for psychological energy, unlike an extrovert.
Commonly confused with
- gregarious: Extrovert describes psychological energy orientation; gregarious emphasizes enjoying groups and flocks.
Word family
- extroverted (adjective): Outgoing and socially confident.
- extroversion (noun): The state of being focused on social surroundings.
Collocations
- natural extrovert
- extrovert personality
- classic extrovert
Idioms & expressions
- life of the party
Example sentences
- "As an extrovert, Maya felt energized after attending the crowded networking conference." Psychological description
- "He was an extrovert who needed a crowd to spark his creativity." Literary analysis
Memory hook
An EXTROVERT turns EXTRA energy outward toward others. Extra turned outward.
When not to use
Do not use to describe someone who is merely behaving noisily for a short moment.
Fun facts
- Jung originally spelled it 'extravert' in German, but 'extrovert' became standard in English.
Related words
Explore more words
enthusiastic, ebullient, exuberant, upbeat, animated, distraction
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