-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

introspection

in-truh-SPEK-shun/ˌɪntrəˈspekʃn/

Examination of one's own thoughts and feelings.

The woman pauses for introspection beside the window and her open journal.

An East Asian woman reflecting by a window with a blank journal, faint reflection in the glass, inward examination.

Etymology

introLatininward or to the inside

+spectLatinlook

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Literally an act of “looking into,” introspection first meant close inspection or examination. Its focus later narrowed to the inner world of one's own thoughts and feelings.

In context

Esoteric Atlanta31:37

that's the introspection as well of being able to go within yourself and to see your own Darkness

The Truth About The Sophia Code & Mystery Schools

More examples

Through introspection, he begins to understand why criticism hurts him.
The journal prompts encourage honest introspection rather than self-blame.
She needs a little introspection before deciding what she really wants.

Forms

introspection

introspective adjective — Inclined to examine one's thoughts and feelings.

Similar words

reflection: Can involve external events, not just one's inner experience.
self-examination: Often focuses on judging one's motives, conduct, or character.