introvert

Where does the word "introvert" come from? It comes from Latin intro, passing through New Latin before entering English (1900s).

Introvert’s story begins in Latin: intro meant “within, inward.” Within, inward, combined with vertere (to turn). By 1600s, the word had taken hold in New Latin as introvertere. Formed for a mind turned inward, toward oneself. It reached English by 1900s as introvert. Carl Jung introduced it in his 1921 'Psychological Types'. Today, introvert means a reserved person who is more focused on their own thoughts than external interaction.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient intro "within, inward", within, inward, combined with vertere (to turn).
2. Stage 2 · New Latin · 1600s introvertere "a mind turned inward", formed for a mind turned inward, toward oneself.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1900s introvert "a reserved, inward-focused person", Carl Jung introduced it in his 1921 'Psychological Types'.