Introvert has three definitions.
It can simply refer to a shy person. A shy or introverted person is reserved and timid around other people. How introverted a person is can vary.
It may mean that someone chooses not to initiate a conversation with someone they don’t know very well. It could be so extreme that someone only speaks to people that they know very well, and won’t even answer a question from an acquaintance.
- As an introvert being around new people made her nervous.
- Few introverts think they can be good salespeople.
Introvert can also refer to someone whose primary concern is with their own thoughts and feelings. This is the psychological definition of the word.
In this sense someone who is more introverted than extroverted can be drained from too much social interaction, and need alone time to recharge or re-energize themselves. Introverts are not loners or anti-social, they are simply more interested in their own thoughts , than on what’s going on around them.
- The introverted girl, was lost in her thoughts and barely noticed the world around her.
- Many people mistook his being an introvert for being aloof.
It can also mean to turn inward. In this case the thing that is being turned inward are someone’s feelings or emotions. This can be done for any reason.
The result of one turning their feelings inward can have positive or negative results, and can be done for positive or negative reasons. It can also refer to a body part or an object turning in on itself.
- Instead of lashing out when the boy spilled his milk, he introverted his anger.
- He had introverted his sadness for years, resulting in his depression.
The Most Common Usage
The first meaning of the word, a shy person, is the most common usage of the word. Introverted is most commonly used to refer to someone who is very shy. Even though almost half of the population is introverted it tends to have a slightly negative connotation. Most introverts just need to warm up to people before they feel comfortable.
- Her introverted personality allowed her to understand her feelings and relate to others.
- Being an introvert doesn’t mean I don’t like people, it just means I enjoy spending time alone.
Synonyms
There are a few words that can be used interchangeably for the most common usage of introvert. Here they are.
Shy
Means to be reserved, nervous, or timid around strangers or people one does not know well.
- Jason was shy, so it took him longer to make friends.
- While she may have been shy as a child, she started to grow out of it as she got older.
Bashful
Refers to someone who doesn’t want to draw attention to themselves. It could be someone avoiding being put into a situation that would force them to talk, or someone just waiting to talk until they are asked a question.
- The bashful boy’s face turned red when the stranger asked him a question.
- I feel a little bashful around people I don’t know very well.
There are some other synonymous for introvert. Here are some of the most popular ones.
Introspective
Is the examination and observation of one’s own mental and emotional process.
- Understanding why we do what we do considers deep introspection.
- It’s important that we are all a little introspective from time to time.
Reserved
Can mean that someone is slow to reveal their emotions. It may just mean that someone is quiet and not forthcoming with their thoughts or feelings.
- He is always quiet and reserved when he is around the girl he likes.
- Being reserved with his emotions has served him well in business.
Introvert also has many antonyms, here are some of the most important
Extrovert
Refers to an outgoing person. This is someone who is expressive, not afraid to talk to strangers. Extroverts tend to have bubbly personalities, enjoy being around people, and focus outwardly.
- His extroverted personality helps him make people feel at ease.
- She wishes she could be a little more extroverted, so she could make friends easier.
Confident
Refers to a feeling of being self-assured and assertive. A confident person is not afraid and is willing to take risk. They believe that they will succeed. Someone may be confident in just one thing or in everything,
- His confidence was obvious in everything he did.
- He was not a confident kid, and he never liked to answer questions in school.
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