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What does the N stand for in INFP? (3 functions)

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Page last updated: 09/01/2022 | Next review date: 09/01/2024
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This blog post aims to answer the question, “What does the N stand for in INFP?” and explore the various dimensions of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP that will help understand the answer. 

What does the N stand for in INFP?

The N in INFP stands for Intuition. The following are 3 functions of intuition manifested by INFPs – 

  • INFPs focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts.
  • INFPs give heed to their intuition and instinct.
  • The N (iNtuition) in INFP corresponds to INFP’s cognitive auxiliary function stack of extraverted intuition (Ne). 

These 3 functions of intuition manifested by INFPs will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP means. 

Who is an INFP?

The INFP personality type was developed by Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers, the authors of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®). INFP stands for Introversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, which are four key personality qualities based on C.G. Jung’s work.

Each of the four letters of the INFP code represents a significant personality feature of the INFP personality type. 

INFPs are stimulated by alone time (Introverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), base their decisions on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).

Because of their empathetic idealism and gentle concern for others, the INFP personality type is often known as the “Healer.” The INFP is also known by the following nicknames:

  • The Thoughtful Idealist (MBTI)
  • The Mediator (16Personalities)

An INFP prefers an unstructured and free-spirited lifestyle. INFP is an introverted and ultra-creative Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type. The INFP is sensitive, creative, and loyal to their values.

INFPs are creative idealists who are guided by their primary ideals and beliefs. A Healer who is preoccupied with possibilities; the actuality of the time is merely a fleeting concern. INFPs see the possibility of a brighter future and seek truth and purpose in their own unique way.

INFPs are sensitive, loving, and compassionate people who are highly concerned with their own and others’ personal progress. INFPs are individualistic and nonjudgmental, believing that each person must forge their own path. 

INFPs like spending time investigating their own ideas and ideals, and they gently encourage others to do the same. INFPs are creative and frequently artistic; they like discovering new ways to express themselves.   

INFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

  • INFPs are introverts who are quiet and reserved. INFPs find that being in social situations depletes their energy, thus they prefer to connect with a small number of close pals. While they like being alone, this should not be mistaken for timidity. Rather, it simply implies that INFPs get energy from alone time. INFPs must, on the other hand, devote energy to social circumstances.
  • INFPs rely on intuition and are more concerned with the overall picture than the finer points of a situation. INFPs can be quite thorough about things that are important to them or tasks they are working on, yet they tend to overlook little or insignificant details.
  • INFPs value personal sentiments above everything else and their actions are affected more by these concerns than by objective data.
  • INFPs prefer to keep their choices open when it comes to making decisions. INFPs frequently put off making key judgments in case the circumstance changes. The majority of judgments are made based on personal ideals rather than reasoning.

What are these 3 functions of intuition manifested by INFPs?

INFPs focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts.

The N in INFP stands for Intuition which means that INFPs focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics and learn by seeing the big picture and themes and thinking about how specific information is connected. 

INFPs give heed to their intuition and instinct.

INFPs are intuitives who give heed to their intuition, instinct, and ability to make sense of seemingly unrelated data. They are skilled at reading between the lines and identifying connections between seemingly unrelated data.

Individuals that have this taste are abstract and speculative. They are more concerned with the future than with the present, and they intend to alter the world rather than merely exist in it.

Intuitive people are drawn to the uncommon and novel, and they dislike monotony. They are inspired by ideas, and they are more prone to concentrate on the theory rather than the implementation of a project.

They like learning to overdo things and may become bored with repetitious assignments that do not allow them to express themselves creatively. Intuitives have a high degree of awareness and may be dissatisfied when attention to detail is demanded.

Intuitive people tend to doubt and test everything. They respect creativity and imagination, and they deliver information in a circuitous fashion using leaps of association and figures of speech.

The N (iNtuition) in INFP corresponds to INFP’s cognitive auxiliary function stack of extraverted intuition (Ne). 

The INFP function stack is abbreviated as FiNe, which offers information on the stack’s first two functions, introverted feeling and extroverted intuition. The INFP function stack is based on the Jungian theory of personality and includes Introverted feeling (Fi), extraverted intuition (Ne), introverted sensing (Si), and extraverted thinking (Ti).

The second function of the INFP function stack acquires information by identifying patterns and underlying principles in the concepts supplied to them by their surroundings and connecting them when they talk, write, or create. 

The INFP function Ne, when combined with Fi, results in a desire to study values and ideals, and it functions mostly via engaging with outside sources, which may imply that these persons prefer sources of new information. 

INFPs do not make decisions based on intuition. They take the lead with introverted feelings. Extraverted intuition is their second favourite function, and they enjoy employing it; nevertheless, it is not as automatic as emotion. In the outer world, extraverted intuition perceives a wealth of ideas and possibilities.

An INFP adds more alternatives to the image than an INFJ, who focuses on removing possibilities until the appropriate one is found. They can notice one item and extrapolate a plethora of ideas and connections from it. Brainstorming and jumping from one thought to the next come naturally to them. 

Their intuition is like a tree with tiny roots but enormous branches that radiate out in all directions. It has a lot of breadth and makes a lot of connections. 

INFPs have a distinct personality that sets them apart from the rest of the world. They have high personal standards, morals, and ideas that they strive to uphold.

It is vital for their well-being that they are genuine and follow their moral code. Their intuition provides them with a creative perspective and an instinctive capacity to envision various options and alternatives for the future.

INFPs explore situations using imagination and ‘what if’ scenarios, often thinking through a variety of possibilities before settling on a course of action. Their inner lives are a dominant force in their personality, and they engage with the outside world by using their intuition.

They focus on the “big picture” and things will shape the course of the future. This ability helps make INFPs transformative leaders who are excited about making positive changes in the world.

Conclusion – 

This blog post aimed to answer the question, “What does the N stand for in INFP?” and reviewed the features and functions of the introverted and extremely inventive Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type named INFP to help determine what the N stand for in INFP. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What does the N stand for in INFP?

What does N mean personality type?

Analysts. Intuitive (N) and Thinking (T) personality types, known for their rationality, impartiality, and intellectual excellence.

What do INFP letters stand for?

INFP (Introversion – Intuition – Feeling – Perception) is a four-letter shorthand for one of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator’s 16 personality types. People with this personality type are often introspective, idealistic, creative, and motivated by high ideals.

Is INFP Ni or NE?

INFP’s have strong introverted intuition (Ni) but they prefer their introverted feeling (Fi) over Ni.

Is INFP the rarest personality type?

INFPs are also rare, making up about 4 to 5 per cent of the population. 

Which character is INFP?

Fictional characters with the INFP personality type –

  • Luke Skywalker (Star Wars).
  • Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter).
  • Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings).
  • Arwen (Lord of the Rings).
  • Arthur Fleck, AKA Joker (Joker).
  • Amélie Poulain (Amélie).
  • Peter Parker, AKA Spiderman (Spiderman).
  • Aurora (Sleeping Beauty).

What is the difference between S and N MBTI?

If your Myers-Briggs type has an “N” as the second letter, you are intuitive rather than sensing. Whereas Ss are more interested in their senses and facts, Ns are more concerned with underlying meanings and patterns. They frequently think in vague, roundabout ways.

References –

Cherry, K. INFP: The Mediator (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving). (2021,  July 23). Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/infp-a-profile-of-the-idealist-personality-type-2795987

Mediator Personality INFP-A / INFP-T (WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?). 16 Personalities. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.16personalities.com/infp-personality

INFP, The Healer. Truity. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.truity.com/personality-type/INFP

Granneman, J. 12 Secrets of the INFP Personality Type. Introvert, Dear. (2018, January 14). Retrieved from https://introvertdear.com/news/10-type-secrets-of-the-infp/

INFP. Dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/e/acronyms/infp/

INFP. Urban Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=INFP

Melissa. What do the letters in the Myers-Briggs test stand for? (2017, July 11).  Retrieved from https://www.mbtionline.com/en-US/Articles/2017/July/What-do-the-letters-in-the-Myers-Briggs-test-stand-for

Personality Type Explained. Humanmetrics Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.humanmetrics.com/personality/type

Drenth, A. J. INFP-T vs. INFP-A Personality Type. Personality Junkie. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://personalityjunkie.com/05/infp-t-vs-infp-a-personality-type/