introspection
in-truh-SPEK-shuhn
/ˌɪntrəˈspɛkʃən/
The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.
Focuses internally on self-analysis, assessing one's personal motives, flaws, and emotional reactions.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 17th century by combining Latin 'intro' (inward) and 'specere' (to look, as in spectacles or inspect). Philosopher John Locke popularized the concept of the mind looking into its own workings as a source of primary knowledge.
Word relationships
- self-reflection: Broad reflection on one's past actions and life choices.
- introversion: A personality trait orientation toward quiet inner life rather than social interaction.
- extrospection: The observation of external matters rather than one's own thoughts.
- unmindfulness: Lack of attention to inner mental processes or actions.
Commonly confused with
- retrospection: Retrospection looks back at past events; introspection looks inward at present mental states.
Word family
- introspective (adjective): Given to examining one's own mental processes.
- introspect (verb): To examine one's own thoughts or feelings.
- introspectively (adverb): In a manner characterized by self-examination.
Collocations
- deep introspection
- period of introspection
- quiet introspection
- prompt introspection
Idioms & expressions
- soul-searching
- looking inward
Example sentences
- "After years of frantic career growth, she spent six months in quiet introspection to redefine her personal values." Personal development
- "Early experimental psychology relied heavily on systematic introspection to map human consciousness." Psychological literature
Memory hook
INTRO (inside) + SPECT (inspect) = INSPECTING INSIDE yourself. INTRO-SPECTION = INSPECTING your INTRO-world.
When not to use
Do not use for observing external surroundings or examining other people.
Fun facts
- Wilhelm Wundt, the father of experimental psychology, trained subjects to perform introspection in fractions of a second when presented with stimuli.
Related words
Explore more words
introspective, contemplative, deliberate, self-reproach, soliloquy, reticent
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