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ambivert

/ˈæmbɪˌvɜrt/
IPA guide

Other forms: ambiverts

An ambivert is someone who sometimes prefers to be alone, and other times is outgoing and enjoys socializing. In other words, an ambivert lies somewhere between an introvert and an extrovert.

Introvert and extrovert are psychology terms that have taken on more general meanings. In pop culture, a person who is gregarious and thrives in lively social settings is often called an extrovert, and a person who prefers quiet and solitude and seems turned inward is often called an introvert. These are simplifications that don't account for all people's personalities or all aspects of their personalities, so the term ambivert was coined to fill the gap, using the Latin root ambi, meaning "both."

Definitions of ambivert
  1. noun
    a person who can be either reserved or outgoing in different situations
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