Introspective: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is looking inward and examining their own thoughts, feelings, and motives. Often related to self-analysis and personal insight.

• Joan felt introspective during her solo hike, reflecting deeply on her career choices and personal relationships

Refers to someone who is considerate and attentive to others' needs, or someone who is deep in thought. It can capture both an emotional and cognitive aspect.

• It was very thoughtful of him to bring her favorite flowers
• He looked thoughtful as he weighed the pros and cons of moving to a new city

Appropriate for moments of deep, prolonged thought about life or philosophical issues. It suggests a calm and peaceful mood.

• He sat by the lake in a contemplative mood, pondering the meaning of happiness and fulfillment

Typically used when someone is considering past events or experiences, often to gain insight or learn from them.

• After reading her childhood diaries, Mary was in a reflective state, learning more about how her early experiences shaped her present self

Best used when referring to a state of mind that is often associated with meditation practices, promoting relaxation and inner peace.

• She adopted a meditative posture, focusing on her breathing to clear her mind of distractions

Suitable when describing a person's tendency to think deeply about their own feelings, thoughts, and motives. Often used when discussing personality traits.

• He is an introspective person who spends a lot of time thinking about his place in the world.
• Her introspective nature often leads her to question her decisions.

Best used in situations where someone is critically reviewing their own actions, morals, or thoughts, often with an aim to improve or understand themselves better.

• Self-examination is crucial for personal growth and development.
• Through self-examination, he realized the mistakes he had made in his relationships.

Ideal for instances when discussing the act of thinking about one's own behaviors and beliefs, usually to attain insight or learn from past experiences.

• After the project failed, she took some time for self-reflection to understand what went wrong.
• Self-reflection helped him to understand his strengths and weaknesses more clearly.

Appropriate when talking specifically about the process of analyzing one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often in a structured or systematic way.

• The therapy session focused on self-analysis and understanding past traumas.
• She engaged in self-analysis to identify the reasons behind her anxiety.