Definition
someone who has a balance of the characteristics of an introvert and an extrovert
Origin and usage
The word ambivert was created by American social scientist Kimball Young in 1927. It is derived from the Latin word-forming element ‘ambi-‘ meaning ’round about’ and the Latin word ‘vertere’ meaning ‘to turn’.
Examples
Ambivert refers to a person who has both introverted and extroverted traits. Typically, introverts prefer to be alone or with small, intimate groups of people they know well. Extroverts are usually more eager to spend time in larger social groups.
Ambiverts often:
• Enjoy social settings but also crave time alone.
• Have a good sense of when to trust others and when to hold back.
• Feel comfortable almost anywhere, whether in a loud restaurant with a large group of friends or home alone reading a book.
• Feel an urge to take breaks from social activities.
• Have excellent communication skills and are good listeners.
• Have difficulty making decisions.
• Work well alone or in groups.
• Get along with lots of different kinds of people.
• Make good entrepreneurs.
Because ambiverts are neither introverted nor extroverted, they are highly adaptable and can fit in and feel comfortable in many different situations. They are good at reading social cues and can tell when it might be necessary to adjust their approach based on the circumstances or the personality of the person with whom they are interacting.
Social scientists believe that most people are ambiverts, falling somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of personality.
Quotations
“Reading and watching movies are the only two things I do. I’m moody, so at times I’m annoyingly introverted; at other times I’m annoyingly extroverted. So I think I’m an ambivert!”
(Sriti Jha)
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
