introvert
introvert — noun
1. A person who gains emotional energy from spending time alone or in small quiet g
A person who gains emotional energy from spending time alone or in small quiet groups, and who finds large social gatherings tiring rather than exciting.
As an introvert, Nala prefers a quiet night with a novel over a crowded party.
collocation: 'as an introvert' — describing oneself
Christopher, an introvert, finds crowded meetings draining and needs quiet time at home to recharge.
appositive structure: 'Christopher, an introvert, …'
Yasmin, an introvert, enjoys lively dinners but always needs quiet time alone to recharge.
The library added a quiet reading nook with soft lamps where introverts could read alone.
Arjun no longer sees being an introvert as a weakness — it is part of who he is.
- loner
more negative; suggests active avoidance of people rather than a preference for quiet
- reserved person
describes the external behaviour (quiet, restrained) but not the internal energy-recharge reason
- extrovert
a person who gains energy from being around many people
- social butterfly
informal; someone who moves easily between many social groups
用法筆記
Countable noun. Often used with the indefinite article: 'an introvert'. The opposite temperament type is an 'extrovert'. Being an introvert is not a disorder — it describes a normal variation in how people process social stimulation.
常見錯誤
introvert — verb
1. To bend, fold, or draw a body part or structure inward toward its own centre, or
To bend, fold, or draw a body part or structure inward toward its own centre, or to be capable of being drawn back inside.
When threatened, some marine worms can introvert their feeding tubes completely into their body.
transitive: 'introvert + body part'
The proboscis of this butterfly species introverts when it is not feeding on nectar.
Under a microscope, students watched how the organism's cilia introverted to protect the cell surface.
The octopus can introvert part of its arm into its mouth while searching for food.
- retract
more common in general English; 'retract' implies pulling back, while 'introvert' implies turning inward
- invaginate
equally technical synonym used in anatomy and embryology
文法句型
introvert + object (body part)
introvert (no object; reflexively)
用法筆記
Technical term used mainly in biology and zoology. Often describes retractable structures such as proboscises, feeding tubes, or cilia. The verb can be used transitively (the animal introverts its proboscis) or intransitively (the proboscis introverts).
2. To turn one's attention, emotional energy, or mental focus inward rather than to
To turn one's attention, emotional energy, or mental focus inward rather than toward other people or outside events.
After losing the competition, Élise introverted her disappointment instead of sharing it with teammates.
transitive + emotion as object
Shanti learned to introvert her nervous energy by directing her attention to her own breathing.
introvert + emotion/energy as object; inward direction via concrete action
The bad news made Joon introvert his thoughts, and he stayed quiet all evening.
Instead of crying, little Maeve introverted her sadness and played alone in her room.
- internalise
similar but broader; 'internalise' means to absorb into one's thinking, not necessarily to direct inward
- externalise
to direct feelings or thoughts outward
文法句型
introvert + object (emotion, attention, energy)
用法筆記
Uncommon even in formal writing. More frequently expressed with phrases such as 'turn inward,' 'withdraw into oneself,' or 'direct one's attention inward.' The object is typically an emotion, thought, or form of mental energy.
3. To cause a person to develop a personality that focuses more on inner thoughts a
To cause a person to develop a personality that focuses more on inner thoughts and feelings than on social interaction with others.
Years of being excluded by classmates can introvert a child who was once naturally outgoing.
transitive: cause + person to become introverted
The psychologist believed that the boarding school's strict environment had introverted many of its students.
Parents who dismiss a child's questions at dinner may unintentionally introvert the child's personality.
Eli's constant rejection by his peers slowly introverted his once cheerful nature.
- make introverted
more natural phrasing in modern English
- make extroverted
the opposite developmental effect
文法句型
introvert + person
用法筆記
Very rare in modern English; this sense originates from Jungian psychology. Usually replaced by the phrase 'make someone introverted' or 'cause introversion in.' The subject is typically an environment, experience, or external influence, not the person themselves.