What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
introject
Example
She introjected her parents' expectations and beliefs without questioning them. [introject: verb]
Example
The child introjected the teacher's criticism and began to doubt their abilities. [introjected: past tense]
internalize
Example
He internalized the feedback from his boss and used it to improve his work. [internalize: verb]
Example
The student internalized the lesson and was able to apply it to future assignments. [internalized: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Internalize is more commonly used than introject in everyday language. Internalize is a versatile term that can be applied to various contexts, while introject is less common and is primarily used in psychology and psychoanalysis.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between introject and internalize?
Both introject and internalize are formal terms that are primarily used in academic and professional contexts, particularly in psychology and psychoanalysis.
