Introspect: meaning, definitions and examples

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introspect

[ɪntrəˈspɛkt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

self-reflection

To introspect means to examine or consider one's own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It involves looking inward and reflecting on one's inner experiences and mental processes.

Synonyms

contemplate, meditate, reflect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
introspect	Used when someone is examining their own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Often in a deep or thorough manner. After the argument, John needed to introspect and understand why he reacted that way. She spent the weekend introspecting to gain clarity on her career goals.
reflect	Often used when thinking carefully about past experiences or actions, sometimes to make sense of them or learn from them. After the hectic week, she took some time to reflect on her accomplishments. He reflected on his childhood memories while looking at old photographs.
contemplate	Used when thinking deeply and at length about something, especially a decision or future event. Alice sat by the window to contemplate her future. He took a moment to contemplate his next move in the chess game.
meditate	Commonly used when focusing the mind for a period of time in silence or with chanting, usually for spiritual or relaxation purposes. She meditates every morning to start her day with a clear mind. He learned to meditate to manage his stress better.

Examples of usage

I like to take time to introspect and understand my motivations.
She encouraged him to introspect and evaluate his actions.
It's important to introspect in order to grow and learn more about oneself.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'introspicere', which means 'to look within'.
The prefix 'intro-' means 'inside' or 'within', while 'specere' means 'to look'.
The term became common in English in the late 19th century, particularly in psychology.

Psychology

Introspection is a method used in psychology to understand behaviors by examining one's own thoughts.
William James, a pioneer in psychology, emphasized the importance of introspection in understanding consciousness.
Research shows that people who regularly engage in introspection tend to have better emotional health and self-awareness.

Literature

Many famous writers, like Virginia Woolf, used introspection to explore characters' inner thoughts and feelings.
In existential literature, introspection often leads characters to question their existence and purpose.
Poets frequently employ introspection to convey deep emotions, allowing readers to connect with their inner experiences.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Descartes promoted introspection as a way to achieve knowledge about oneself.
Socratic questioning, based on careful introspection, helps individuals examine their beliefs and motivations.
In Eastern philosophies, introspection is crucial in practices like meditation, aimed at self-discovery and enlightenment.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies often feature characters undergoing introspection as they navigate personal dilemmas.
Reality television has popularized the concept of introspection by showcasing participants reflecting on their experiences.
Self-help trends, including mindfulness and journaling, promote introspective practices to enhance personal growth.

Translations

Translations of the word "introspect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 introspectar

🇮🇳 आत्मनिरीक्षण करना

🇩🇪 sich selbst betrachten

🇮🇩 menganalisis diri

🇺🇦 інтроспектувати

🇵🇱 introspekcja

🇯🇵 内省する（ないせいする）

🇫🇷 s'introspecter

🇪🇸 introspeccionar

🇹🇷 içe bakmak

🇰🇷 자기 성찰하다

🇸🇦 تأمل في الذات

🇨🇿 introspektovat

🇸🇰 introspektovať

🇨🇳 自省 (zìxǐng)

🇸🇮 introspektirati

🇮🇸 sjálfskoðun

🇰🇿 өзін-өзі талдау

🇬🇪 თვითანალიზი

🇦🇿 özünü dərk etmək

🇲🇽 introspeccionar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,184, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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39181 cig
39182 judiciousness
39183 electroplate
39184 introspect
39185 emending
39186 cesspit
39187 stitchery
...