The extrovert meaning is a person whose attention turns outward, toward people and activity, and who usually feels livelier after time spent with others. Parties, team projects and busy offices tend to fill an extrovert's tank rather than empty it.
The adjective is extroverted. Like its partner word introvert, it describes a tendency, not a fixed box. Most people mix both sides, and some sit right in the middle.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
Outgoing person energised by social contactPart of speech
Noun; also adjective ("an extrovert style")Pronunciation
EK-struh-vurtWord forms
extroverted, extroversion; spelling variant extravert, extraversionOrigin
Latin extra outside + vertere to turn; psychology sense from the 1910sOpposite
In between
Extroverted meaning and typical traits
A simple extrovert definition for everyday use, and a way to define extrovert quickly: someone who thinks out loud, enjoys meeting new people and gets restless when alone for too long. The extroverted definition used by psychologists focuses on where energy and attention go. Extroverts tend to look outward for stimulation; introverts tend to look inward.
Traits often linked with extroversion:
- talking ideas through instead of thinking silently first
- enjoying large groups, events and lively places
- being quick to start conversations with strangers
- feeling flat or bored after a long stretch of quiet
- preferring action and variety to long solo tasks
Extrovert meaning shown in sentences
- Meera is a true extrovert; she knew half the guests by the end of the wedding.
- My extroverted roommate cannot study without music and someone to chat with.
- The sales role suits an extrovert who enjoys calling new clients.
- Even a strong extrovert needs a quiet evening sometimes.
- He seems extroverted at work, but at home he reads for hours.
Extrovert or extravert: spelling and history
Both spellings are correct. Extravert is the older form and follows the Latin extra, outside. Extrovert, now the usual spelling in general English, appeared soon after, probably shaped by introvert. Psychology papers and personality tests still often prefer extravert and extraversion.
The words in their personality sense entered English in the 1910s, when the work of a Swiss psychiatrist on two attitudes, turning outward and turning inward, was translated. Before that, both words existed only in rare technical uses.
Myths about extroverts
| Myth | Closer to the truth |
|---|---|
| Extroverts are loud. | Many are, but some are calm and simply enjoy company. |
| Extroverts are confident. | Sociability and self-belief are separate; an extrovert can still feel anxious. |
| Extroverts are shallow. | Liking many people says nothing about depth of thought or feeling. |
| You are one or the other. | Most people fall on a range; an ambivert sits near the middle. |
Opposite of extrovert and close words
The opposite is introvert, a person who recharges with quiet or alone. Nearby words differ a little:
- outgoing: friendly and eager to mix; the plainest everyday word
- sociable: enjoys company and social events
- gregarious: loves being in groups; slightly formal
- talkative: about speech only, not energy
Being assertive is a separate trait: an introvert can be firm and an extrovert can be shy about saying no.
Using the word kindly
Calling someone an extrovert is usually neutral or positive. It becomes negative only through tone: "She's such an extrovert" said with a sigh may hint at someone who never stops talking. At work, describing a role as good for extroverts can quietly shut out quieter people who would do it well, so many managers describe the tasks instead.
Temperament words such as this one are gathered on our people and feelings page.
Frequently asked questions
Extrovert definition: what is the one-line version?
The shortest definition of extrovert: an outgoing person who feels energised by being with others and turns attention outward.
Is it extrovert or extravert?
Both are correct. Extrovert is the spelling most people use in general writing, while extravert is often used in psychology and personality research.
Is being an extrovert good or bad?
Neither. It is a personality tendency with strengths, such as ease in meeting people, and challenges, such as finding long solo work tiring.
Can an extrovert be shy?
Yes. Shyness is nervousness in social settings, while extroversion is about where you get energy. Someone can enjoy company and still feel awkward meeting strangers.
How do you pronounce extrovert?
Say EK-struh-vurt, stressing the first syllable. Extroverted adds a syllable at the end: EK-struh-vur-tid.
What is an ambivert?
An ambivert has a fairly even mix of extrovert and introvert traits, enjoying company at some times and solitude at others.