introspection
in-truh-SPEK-shuhn
/ˌɪn.trəˈspɛk.ʃən/
The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.
Looking inward at one's own conscious thoughts and internal mental state.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'intro-' (inward) and 'specere' (to look at). Literally translates to 'looking inside'.
Word relationships
- self-reflection: Self-reflection is informal everyday reflection, whereas introspection can be a formal method of mental observation.
- extrospection: Observation of external physical world.
Commonly confused with
- retrospection: Retrospection means looking back at past events; introspection means examining present internal mental states.
Word family
- introspective (adjective): Given to examining one's own thoughts.
- introspect (verb): To examine one's thoughts.
Collocations
- deep introspection
- quiet introspection
- method of introspection
Example sentences
- "Early psychologists relied on disciplined introspection to study the structure of human consciousness." Psychology
Memory hook
INTRO (inside) + SPEC (spectacles/look) = looking inside oneself. Looking inside your mind.
When not to use
Do not use when describing analyzing external data or other people's behavior.
Fun facts
- Wilhelm Wundt established the first experimental psychology laboratory using structured introspection in 1879.
Related words
Explore more words
introspective, contemplative, deliberate, self-reproach, soliloquy, reticent
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