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What is the difference between INFP and ENFP? (5 differences)

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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 is the difference between INFP and ENFP?” and explore the various dimensions of the two Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and ENFP that will help understand the answer. 

What is the difference between INFP and ENFP?

The following are 5 differences between INFPs and ENFPs –

  • INFPs are introverts, whereas ENFPs are extroverts.
  • INFP’s dominant function is Introverted Feeling, whereas ENFP’s dominant function is Extraverted Intuition.
  • INFP’s auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition, whereas ENFP’s auxiliary function is Introverted Feeling.
  • INFP’s tertiary function is Introverted Sensing, whereas ENFP’s tertiary function is Extraverted Thinking.
  • INFP’s inferior function is Extraverted Thinking, whereas ENFP’s inferior function is Introverted Sensing.

These 5 differences between INFPs and ENFPs will be discussed in further detail below after taking a deeper look at what INFP and ENFP mean. 

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.

Who is an ENFP?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®) inventors Katharine Briggs and Isabel Myers established sixteen personality types. ENFP is one of them. ENFP stands for Extraversion, iNtuition, Feeling, and Perceiving, four essential personality qualities based on psychologist C.G. Jung’s research.

Each of the four letters in the ENFP code represents a key personality trait associated with the ENFP personality type. 

ENFPs are stimulated by social interaction (extroverted), focus on ideas and concepts rather than facts and specifics (iNtuitive), make decisions based on feelings and values (Feeling), and like to be spontaneous and flexible rather than planned and structured (Perceiving).

Because of its excitement for assisting others in realising their ambitions, the ENFP personality type is often known as the “Champion.” Among the ENFP’s other nicknames are –

  • The Imaginative Motivator (MBTI)
  • The Campaigner (16Personalities)

ENFPs are people-centred creators who have an infectious excitement for new ideas, people, and activities and a focus on potential. ENFPs are energetic, friendly, and enthusiastic persons who like assisting others in realising their creative potential.

ENFPs are quick and expressive communicators who use their wit, humour, and linguistic skills to tell interesting stories. ENFPs are creative and imaginative, and they frequently have a strong artistic side. 

They are drawn to art because it allows them to express creative ideas and gain a better knowledge of the human condition.

ENFPs are persons who are fascinated by others and are focused on uncovering the hidden meaning of people and things. They are looking for a real encounter with a high level of emotional intensity. 

Details and repetition tyre ENFPs, therefore they seek out circumstances that provide an escape from the commonplace. ENFPs are drawn to novelty because they have diverse interests and friends from all walks of life.

ENFPs value uniqueness and frequently consider pleasure to be the most important goal in life, both for themselves and for others. Personal freedom and self-expression are fundamental to them, and they want to be allowed to travel wherever inspiration takes them.

ENFP Personality Type Characteristics Are –

  • ENFPs thrive at interacting with others. They are really concerned about others, in addition to being full of excitement. ENFPs have a knack for figuring out how other people are feeling. They may also become outstanding leaders due to their energy, charisma, and innovation.
  • ENFPs despise routine and prefer to concentrate on the future. While ENFPs are excellent at coming up with fresh ideas, they are prone to deferring crucial duties till the last minute. It’s a typical problem to have great ideas but not follow through on them.
  • ENFPs are prone to be easily sidetracked, especially if they are focused on anything dull or monotonous.
  • ENFPs are adaptable and want to have a variety of alternatives. ENFPs are flexible to change and can be spontaneous. ENFPs may also struggle with disorganisation and procrastination due to their dislike of routine.

What are these 5 differences between INFPs and ENFPs?

INFPs are introverts, whereas ENFPs are extroverts.

INFPs are introverts who like to help others live in harmony from behind the scenes, whereas ENFPs are extroverts who thrive on being around and encouraging others. INFPs have a lower energy level than extroverted people like ENFPs.

Their introversion-extraversion differences cause people to see the world in quite different ways. INFPs have a lower energy level than extroverted people. They wish to aid their fellow man but in a more subtle and unobtrusive manner. 

ENFPs, on the other hand, have a lot of energy. They are willing and able to take on any challenge that will help them promote a cause that they care about.

INFPs are more careful and measured in their approach to life than extroverted people. ENFPs, on the other hand, are adventurous and eager to take chances.

ENFPs are everyone’s buddies and are typically the life of the party, but INFPs tend to shy away from attention and can be tough to get to know.

INFPs are very self-sufficient and enjoy being alone for long periods of time, but ENFPs become uneasy when they are alone and frequently want assistance from others.

INFPs are known for their intense attention. They are more likely to complete a task if they begin it. ENFPs, on the other hand, are frequently scatterbrained. 

They may start undertakings with zeal, but eventually, lose interest or become sidetracked, and go on to something else that piques their attention.

INFPs will ponder what they want to say for a long time before saying it. ENFPs, on the other hand, can be quite impulsive and are likely to express their thoughts without thinking about the possible implications.

INFP’s dominant function is Introverted Feeling, whereas ENFP’s dominant function is Extraverted Intuition.

Intuition, Thinking, Sensing, and Feeling are the four cognitive functions that everyone has. These functions can then be classified as Extroverted (outwardly demonstrated) or Introverted (inwardly demonstrated).

When it comes to ENFPs and INFPs, they both have the same functions, but they are performed in different order. Their primary and secondary functions, as well as their tertiary and inferior functions, are mirror images of each other.

Introverted Feeling is the primary function of an INFP. They are emotional individuals that deal with their emotions on an internal level. They have the same amount of love and hope as ENFPs, but with a little more caution and isolation.

Extraverted Intuition is an ENFP’s main function, which means they are delighted by the world and perceive it as a place full of endless possibilities. They have optimism and a sense of love that no other personality can equal.

INFP’s auxiliary function is Extraverted Intuition, whereas ENFP’s auxiliary function is Introverted Feeling.

Extraverted Intuition is an INFP’s auxiliary function. They can envisage a universe of possibilities, just like their ENFP counterparts, but they are more cautious about them, carefully considering the potential repercussions of dramatic change.

Introverted Feeling is an ENFP’s auxiliary function. Given how gregarious an ENFP appears to be in general, it’s tough to believe they have any function that involves the word “introverted.”

It does not, however, allude to their interpersonal interactions. ENFPs who have Introverted Feeling as an auxiliary function are more prone to consider emotions and extenuating circumstances when making decisions rather than following a strict logical structure.

INFP’s tertiary function is Introverted Sensing, whereas ENFP’s tertiary function is Extraverted Thinking.

Introverted Sensing is an INFP‘s tertiary function. This enables individuals to draw on vivid memories from the past to better understand what is going on in the present.

Extraverted Thinking is an ENFP‘s tertiary function, which means they process information by laying everything out on the table and looking for logical connections. Because it is the third most important function after the two most important functions, it may not have as much influence.

INFP’s inferior function is Extraverted Thinking, whereas ENFP’s inferior function is Introverted Sensing.

Extraverted Thinking is an INFP’s weakest function. This helps individuals balance out their personalities by adding a bit of logical reasoning to their emotional condition.

Introverted Sensing is the ENFP’s weakest function. An ENFP will utilise their prior experiences to shape decisions about the present, after their sense of right and wrong, emotions, and enthusiasm.

Conclusion – 

This blog post attempted to answer the question, “What is the difference between INFP and ENFP?” and reviewed the features and functions of the two Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types named INFP and ENFP to help determine the differences between INFPs and ENFPs. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or comments you may have.

References –

ENFP vs INFP — The Differences between these Two Personalities. Online Personality Tests. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.onlinepersonalitytests.org/enfp-vs-infp-differences/#:~:text=ENFPs%20and%20INFPs%20tend%20to,harmony%20from%20behind%20the%20scenes.&text=INFPs%20have%20a%20lower%20energy%20level.

ENFP vs. INFP: 31 Differences. Psychologia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://psychologia.co/enfp-vs-infp/

What is the biggest difference between ENFP and INFP? Quora. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-biggest-difference-between-ENFP-and-INFP

Priebe, H. 10 Signs You’re An ENFP, Not An INFP. Thought Catalog. (2015,  September 29). Retrieved from https://thoughtcatalog.com/heidi-priebe/2015/09/523471/

Johnston, D. One BIG Difference Between ENFP & INFP. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dreamsaroundtheworld.com/one-big-difference-between-enfps-and-infps/

Ramburger, L. Am I An ENFP Or An INFP Personality? (2020, August 26). Retrieved from https://www.heidipriebe.com/blog/am-i-an-enfp-or-an-infp-personality

ENFP vs INFP. Personality at Work. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://personalityatwork.co/personality-type/enfp/vs/infp

An In-depth Comparison Between ENFP and INFP Personality Types. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://psychologenie.com/enfp-vs-infp-personality-types

Difference between ENFP and INFP. Reddit. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/mbti/comments/q4om9o/difference_between_enfp_and_infp/