introspect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "introspect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of examining one's own thoughts, feelings, or motivations. Example: "After a long day, I like to take some time to introspect and reflect on my experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Before it, I hadn't been so introspective; I'd had nothing to introspect about".

The New York Times - Books

He retreated from public life for nearly two months of this spring's important budget session of parliament, going abroad to "introspect".

The Economist

Mrs. Thatcher did not reflect on her achievements, did not look back, and did not introspect.

The New Yorker

"Don't misconcept this," he will say, or "That guy is a man of great introspect".

The New Yorker

With Asperger's syndrome there is self-consciousness and at least some power to introspect and report.

The New Yorker

O'Hara didn't introspect or recollect much.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Such measures are sometimes thought capable of revealing unconscious attitudes or implicit attitudes either unavailable to introspection or erroneously introspected (Wilson, Lindsey, and Schooler 2000; Kihlstrom 2004; Lane et al. 2007; though see Hahn et al. forthcoming).

SEP

On self-shaping and self-fulfillment models of introspection, according to which introspective judgments create or embed the very state introspected (see Sections 2.3.1 and 2.3.2 below), it seems more natural to think that the target of introspection is one's current mental life or perhaps even the immediate future.

SEP

As mentioned in Section 3.3 above, early introspective psychologists both asserted the difficulty of accurately introspecting conscious experience and achieved only mixed success in their attempts to obtain scientifically replicable (and thus presumably accurate) data through the use of trained introspectors.

SEP

Not all such processes are introspective, however: Few would say that you have introspected if you learn that you're angry by seeing your facial expression in the mirror.

SEP

So, according to Martin, the same story will apply to the case of introspection only if we suppose that when one introspects the phenomenal character of one's experience one is detecting features of some realm that is independent of one's introspective access to it.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "introspect" when you want to emphasize a deliberate and thoughtful examination of your own thoughts, feelings, or motivations. It's particularly effective when discussing personal growth, decision-making, or understanding one's own behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "introspect" when simple reflection or casual thought is intended. "Introspect" implies a deeper, more structured process of self-examination, not just a passing thought or feeling.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "introspect" is as an intransitive verb, indicating an action performed by the subject on themselves. It denotes the act of examining one's own thoughts or feelings. As shown by Ludwig, "introspect" often appears in contexts where self-reflection or analysis is being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "introspect" is a verb that means to examine one's own thoughts and feelings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. It carries a formal tone and is often employed when discussing self-analysis and understanding one's motivations. For alternatives, consider "self-reflect" or "look inward", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Use "introspect" when a deep and structured process of self-examination is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-reflect

Focuses on the act of reflecting on oneself, similar to introspecting but perhaps with a broader scope.

look inward

Emphasizes turning one's attention to internal thoughts and feelings.

examine oneself

Suggests a more critical and analytical approach to self-assessment.

contemplate oneself

Implies a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration of one's own being.

delve into one's psyche

Suggests a deeper, more psychological exploration of one's inner self.

engage in self-analysis

Highlights the analytical aspect of examining one's own thoughts and behaviors.

reflect on one's inner life

Focuses on the reflective aspect of considering one's internal experiences.

search one's soul

Suggests a profound and often emotional exploration of one's deepest beliefs and values.

muse on one's being

Implies a more abstract and philosophical consideration of one's existence.

consider one's motives

Concentrates specifically on evaluating the reasons behind one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "introspect" in a sentence?

You can use "introspect" to describe the act of examining your own thoughts and feelings. For example: "After the difficult meeting, I needed time to "introspect" and understand my reaction."

What are some alternatives to the word "introspect"?

Alternatives to "introspect" include "self-reflect", "look inward", or "examine oneself". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "introspect" a formal or informal word?

"Introspect" is generally considered a formal word. It's more appropriate for academic, professional, or serious discussions than for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "introspect" and "reflect"?

While both involve thinking about something, "introspect" implies a more focused and analytical examination of one's own thoughts and feelings, whereas "reflect" can refer to thinking about anything, not necessarily oneself.