Words / C1

intr-uh-SPEKT-iv/ˌɪntrəˈspektɪv/

Introspective means tending to examine your own thoughts and feelings: an introspective essay, an introspective debrief. Inward (already in the dictionary) is a cousin; a feeling does not name a spare.

Meaning

Tending to examine your own thoughts and feelings.

Examples

• “An introspective debrief does not name the spare.”
• “Reflective is the close twin. Inward is already in this course. Reflection is talk. A log is a file. Write the name; then reflect if you still need to.”

Good to know

Inward-looking; examining oneself. Close: reflective. A debrief ≠ a named spare.

Near in meaning

reflective, inward, contemplative

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