Introspect
/ˌɪn.trəˈspekt/noun
To examine one's own thoughts, feelings, or motives.
Did you know?Introspect was built in Modern Latin from Latin roots meaning “to look inside,” and it shares that ancient speck-root with spectacle, inspector, and perspective — all words of seeing.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
introspectus
“looked into; examined inwardly”
Modern Latin
Latin
introspect-
“a combining form meaning “look into””
18th Century
English
introspect
“to look into oneself mentally”
Modern English
English
introspect
“to examine one's own thoughts or feelings”
Explore more surprising origins