Definition of Introvert

The definition of Introvert or extrovert is kind of a mistake as they are on opposite ends of a continuum. That is to say the different characteristics fade and merge as you move from one end to the other, much as color shades merge and fade with only the extremes being highly distinctive.

Color Continuum

Since it is a continuum, you can be anywhere on it. I think most people are near the middle, exhibiting a mixture of the characteristics. You can also move along it, being more one way in some circumstances and switching in a different circumstance. But you will have preference of one other the other, unless you are smack in the middle.

It maybe my own bias, but I feel dictionary definitions of introvert are negative and not at all helpful. I find descriptions of tendencies, preferences, traits or characteristics much more useful than a definition of introvert. And I've done a side by side listing of these below .

First, let's get one point out of the way. Introversion is not shyness. Shyness is a fear of social interaction. Anyone can be shy, introvert or extrovert. Fear of speaking in front of a crowd could be considered shyness, but since probably 90% of the population has this fear, I don't consider that shyness. I think to be considered shy you must have anxiety in most social situations.

Shyness or Fear?

Sometimes it is hard to tell if it's Introversion or shyness because fear can make you prefer to avoid social interaction with others rather than to just prefer to be alone. Is it preference or Fear? Be very aware of the fear factor. Only you can know if it's fear or a preference.

The concept of introversion as an innate personality trait was introduced by Carl Jung, a German psychologist and contemporary of Sigmund Freud. Freud, an extrovert, didn't believe in introversion, he just viewed people like that as neurotic. Jung was an introvert, so he viewed it as normal

As an alternative to a definition of Introvert, here's my side by side comparison of Introvert behavior and Extrovert behavior. Remember, these are generalizations of opposite ends of a continuum and anyone may be missing a few of these characteristics.

Introvert	Extrovert
Interacting with others drains energy	Interacting with others increases energy
Prefers thoughts and ideas over people and things	Prefers people and things over thoughts and ideas
Needs a quiet time to recharge	Needs external stimulation to recharge
Thinks things through before speaking	Speaks before thinking
Likes to know a lot about a few subjects	Likes to know a little about a lot of subjects
Has few close friends	Knows lots of people and considers them all friends.
Absorb, reflect and expand on what they learn	Files what they learn and move on
Prefers doing things by themselves	Prefers doing things with others
Listens more than speaks	Talks more than listens
Appears calm, reserved, aloof	Appears peppy, energetic, involved
Will speak extensively only on a subject that they know well	Will speak extensively whether they know the subject or not
Sometimes will have their mind go blank when asked to speak, specially under pressure	Have no trouble coming up with words
Speak slowly or hesitantly trying not to speak until the thought is fully formed and validated	Speak quickly or talk through their thoughts out loud
Get lost and disorientated in the mist of multiple conversations, like at a party	Get energized in the midst of multiple simultaneous conversations
Sometimes are accused of being a 'party-pooper'	Are often a party organizer
Withdraw during extreme stress	Get agitated and seek out others during extreme stress

Mostly inaccurate Dictionary Definitions of:

Introvert:

• to turn inward or in upon itself: to concentrate or direct upon oneself: a reserved or shy person ( http://www.merriam-webster.com)
• 1. To turn or direct inward. 2. Psychology To concentrate (one's interests) upon oneself. 1. shy and quiet 2. Psychol concerned more with inner feelings than with external reality a person who tends to shrink from social contacts and to become preoccupied with their own thoughts (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)
• 1 : a person who is concerned or interested mostly in one's own thoughts and ideas 2 : a person who is shy or restrained in speaking and behavior (http://www.wordcentral.com)
• 1. a shy person. 2. Psychology. a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings (Dictionary.com)

Extrovert:

• one whose personality is characterized by extroversion; broadly : a gregarious and unreserved person ( http://www.merriam-webster.com)
• 1. lively and outgoing 2. Psychol concerned more with external reality than inner feelings (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)
• 1 : a person who is interested only or mostly in things outside the self 2 : a gregarious and unreserved person (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)
• 1. an outgoing, gregarious person. 2. Psychology. a person characterized by extroversion; a person concerned primarily with the physical and social environment (Dictionary.com)

To summarize, the definition of Introvert includes those that expend energy just being with other people and need solitude to re-charge, spend a lot of time thinking and very little time talking and are slow with verbal responses.

Now that you have a definition of Introvert, read to learn more about Introverts, Shyness and then read about Overcoming Shyness