Difference introvert extrovert

Difference Between Introvert and Extrovert (with Comparison Chart)

Based on characteristics, there are two types of personality, i.e. introvert and extrovert. When a person is reserved and does not open up easily, he or she is said to be an introvert. On the contrary, when a person is social, talkative and makes friends quickly, then his personality type is extrovert.

“We all are same, but different” is an old saying, which means we all have same human nature, body, mind, thoughts, feelings, yet every individual is unique in its own way. Therefore, it is said that ‘No two people are alike,’ as our way of thinking, feeling and acting is different from other people, which represents our personality. The article excerpt presents you all the differences between introvert and extrovert in detail.

Content: Introvert Vs Extrovert

Comparison Chart
Definition
Key Differences
Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Introvert	Extrovert
Meaning	An introvert is a person who remains isolated, or enjoys the company of few closed ones.	An extrovert is an outgoing and outspoken person who enjoys being around and talking to people.
Nature	Self-contained	Gregarious
Speaking	They think before speaking.	They reason things out by speaking them.
Energy	Recharges with solitude	Recharges with social interactions
Time	Spends more time with themselves	Spends more time with family and friends
Focus	Inward focused	Outward focused
Friends	Few	Many
Change	Do not accept change easily.	Accept change easily.
Communication	Openly communicate about themselves with people they know and trust.	Openly communicate about themselves with anyone.
Concentration	Deeply concentrate for long period.	Get distracted easily.

Definition of Introvert

A personality trait, wherein a person, is interested in his own mental self, is called an introvert. Introverts are reserved by nature, as they are preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings. So, they need a lot of personal space. Further, these people feel comfortable and more energized when they are alone. So, they prefer solitary activities to social interaction which includes reading, writing, listening music, and so on. They have their own world of facts, feelings, fantasies, etc.

Many believe that introverts are shy and anti-social, rather they have social fear, and they are active listeners. They do not make friends easily and have few friends, but their friendship is deep rooted.

Definition of Extrovert

Extrovert refers to a type of human behavior in which a person loves to be surrounded by and interact with people. They are socially confident and outspoken. The very identity of an extrovert is that they enjoy human interaction.

Extroverts, focuses on practical realities rather than inner feelings and opinions, so they get bored in solitude. Hence, they tend to be more social, practical, informal and enthusiastic. Further, their communication skills are excellent. Individuals who possess this type of personality enjoys social gatherings and like to become the center of attraction. They are same in public and private.

Key Differences Between Introvert and Extrovert

The difference between introvert and extrovert can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

A person who remains isolated, or enjoys the company of few closed ones and keeps himself busy in thinking, is called an introvert. An outgoing and outspoken person who enjoys being around and talking to people is an extrovert.
By nature, introverts are self-contained and reserved, whereas extroverts are friendly, talkative and gregarious.
When it comes to speaking, introverts listen more than they speak and in fact they think twice or thrice before speaking. On the other hand, extroverts are completely different, they speak their minds out, infact they try to find out the reason of something by speaking them.
The energy of introverts recharges with soltitude whereas extrovert’s energy recharges with social interactions.
If we talk about spending time, introverts get rejuvenated when they spend time with themselves and so they avoid social interaction. As against this, extroverts like to spend time with family, friends, etc. and love getting social.
Introverts seem to be quiet but their minds are loud as well as active. On the contrary, extroverts are outside thinkers, as they can handle any situation by verbally communicating with others.
Introverts open up to a very few people and hence they prefer two or three close friends. In contrast, extroverts are socially active people whose friend list is very long, as they make friends wherever they go.
Introverts hate change, as they cannot easily adapt themselves to new situations. As opposed this, extroverts accept the change easily.
Extroverts are one who can talk with other about themselves, freely. Conversely, introverts openly communicate about themselves with people they know and trust.
One of the major quality of introverts is, they can deeply concentrate on anything, while extroverts are easily distracted as they cannot concentrate on anything for a long time.

Conclusion

Finally, you will now be able to identify the difference between these two personality types as they are just opposite. While introvert avoids social gatherings and love being alone, extroverts feel pleasure in taking part in social activities, and easily prone to boredom when isolated. Further, the introverts are silent and listen more but extrovert speaks more and enjoys being in the limelight.

Crystal Knows - Introvert vs Extrovert: Difference Between Extraversion & Introversion

Being perceived as introvert vs extrovert usually is characterized by how you respond to social situations and stimuli from everyday life. Extroverts are generally thought to enjoy the spotlight or being the center of attention, while introverts are more anti-social and isolated. These stereotypes aren't very forgiving, yet in reality, they are far more intricate.

As complex beings, humans may not fit on just one side of the spectrum. Depending on what energizes us and what types of things drain us, we may fall anywhere on this spectrum-- showing both introverted and extroverted tendencies. Keep in mind as you read on that there are different types of introverts and extroverts, and everyone can be a little bit of both at a particular time or another.

What is the difference between an introvert and an extrovert?

Extroversion and introversion refer to where someone gets their energy from. The difference between an extrovert and an introvert is extroverts are energized through socialization and collaboration, whereas introverts receive energy from alone time or in social settings with much smaller groups. For example, after a long work week, an extrovert will typically enjoy spending time with others at social gatherings. In contrast, an introvert may wish to avoid all social activities and instead go home to decompress alone. With varying levels of intensity, people often identify with both personality types depending on the circumstances.

Introvert vs Extrovert Chart

When comparing introversion vs extraversion, remember that it is not black and white. Each person can be introverted or extroverted at times, with a tendency to lean more one way or another. Or, you may be an ambivert (most people are) and fall somewhere between-- consistently extroverted in some areas and introverted in others. Understanding these differences can help you better navigate different scenarios and understand how you interact with the world around you.

Comparison	Introvert	Extrovert
How do you spend your time?	Solitary activities such as reading or listening to podcasts, taking trips to the museum or coffee shop alone, daydreaming, or writing	Social activities such as group dinners or parties, going out to events or venues with groups of friends, meeting new people, or trying new things
Do you prefer large or smaller groups of people?	Smaller groups of people	Larger groups of people
Do you feel comfortable or anxious around strangers?	Can feel anxious or uncomfortable around strangers and may feel drained after too much social interaction	Does not feel anxious or uncomfortable around strangers and enjoys meeting and getting to know new people
What is your ideal work environment?	Peaceful, quiet, with plenty of alone time to independently complete tasks	Social, lively, with lots of collaboration and opportunity to interact with coworkers
How do you behave in social settings?	Shy or reserved	Outgoing or social
How do you communicate with others?	Prefer to organize your thoughts and think through opinions before voicing them (in writing if possible)	Speak ideas and thoughts with ease and confidence and enjoy face-to-face conversations
How do you process information?	Very introspectively, taking time to understand all factors	Tend to think out loud, forming ideas and opinions as they discuss

Extrovert vs.

introvert characteristics explained

1. How do you spend your time?

Differences in introverts and extroverts characteristics have a significant impact on how they spend their free time. Introverts typically enjoy spending their time participating in solitary activities that allow them peace from others. These activities can vary depending on someone's interests. Still, generally, activities such as reading, writing, listening to music or podcasts, or single-player games and activities are all excellent options for introverts. On the other hand, extroverts are more inclined to spend their time with others; extroverted people usually like to attend large social events, go out on the town, or participate in group games and activities.

2. Do you prefer large or small groups?

Extroverts tend to receive energy when in larger groups and thus prefer them for socializing and collaborating over small groups. In both professional and social settings, introverts prefer small groups and often find small talk and large groups extremely draining.

3. Do you feel comfortable or anxious around strangers?

Social anxiety can occur in both an extroverted and introverted person, and feeling anxious is not always a characteristic of an introvert. That being said, extroverted people tend to be more open towards and welcome social interaction with strangers. While introverts are more likely to experience adverse feelings towards a social situation, that isn't automatically the case-- it could just be the idea of socializing itself that makes them uncomfortable or anxious.

4. What is your ideal work environment?

The most ideal jobs for introverts will typically include quiet, solitary work environments, where they are free from external stimulation and distractions and can concentrate on their tasks. They may find being productive a challenge when in a busy, social, or open-concept office and struggle when required to interact with coworkers or clients constantly. In contrast, the best jobs for extroverts will include active, heavily collaborative team settings, where they can talk through their ideas and problems and socialize with their colleagues.

5. How do you behave in social settings?

In social settings, introverts tend to act more reserved or even shy in their demeanor, as they process things introspectively and are often in their thoughts. Introverts aren't necessarily shy as they may seem; they just prefer to build meaningful connections with fewer people, gaining energy through smaller social gatherings. Extroverts are often bold and enthusiastic when socializing, perhaps even the center of attention or seeming as though they can't stop talking. In social settings, extroverts usually jump at the chance to introduce themselves to someone new and will seek out experiences that allow them to do so.

6. How do you communicate with others?

When communicating with others, extroverts prefer to communicate verbally and face-to-face. They like to quickly process information and speak their mind, figuring things out as they go and bouncing their ideas off of others. Introverts typically prefer one-on-one, deep, and meaningful conversations. Because they put a lot of thought behind their words and take time to organize their opinions and feelings, they place a high value on communicating with others. They are more open and social with those in their close circle than with strangers or colleagues and acquaintances.

7. How do you process information?

Extroverts process information verbally, often thinking through problems and ideas out loud. They are fast-paced and may jump from topic to topic while processing; allow them time to reach a conclusion and verbalize things accurately. On the other hand, introverts need time to process the information on their own before voicing their concerns or opinions. While they may seem quiet or timid, introverts are just introspective by nature and will focus on their inner expressions, feelings, and thoughts first.

What is the introvert-extrovert spectrum?

While you may lean heavily one way or another, people typically aren't just an introvert or only an extrovert. Depending on the situation and circumstances, you may be introverted in some areas but extroverted in others. Extroverts and introverts lie on opposite ends of a spectrum, and each person is unique in their position on that same spectrum. Most of the time, people fall somewhere in the middle and can also be known as ambiverts. Being characterized by ambiversion means that you adopt both introvert and extrovert tendencies in how you see, process, and respond to your world.

The introvert vs extrovert spectrum is a way to categorize people based on how they interact with external and internal stimuli. Your level of introversion refers to how introspective you are, whereas extroversion explains how you interact with and respond to external stimuli. When measuring a person's introversion and extroversion, remember that someone will typically resonate more with one side but still exhibit qualities of the other in different contexts.

4 Types of introvert examples

Introversion is complex; contrary to popular belief, it is not a "one size fits most" concept. Most people who identify as introverts are a unique mix of four main types: anxious, thinking, social, and restrained. These types were determined through a study done by Jonathan Cheek in 2011. He interviewed around 500 self-proclaimed introverts from the ages of 18 to 70, asking them to rate different statements based on how characteristic they felt they were of themselves. While all four types of introverts share a more inward-facing quality, there are many distinctions as well.

1. Social

Social introversion encompasses the more traditional or stereotypical introvert style; this type tends to prefer smaller groups or being alone instead of larger, more collaborating groups. Constantly interacting with others or being required to be social can be very draining for social introverts because they draw their energy from solitude. Social introverts may be misperceived as shy people when in reality, they prefer to remain silent or more reserved in social settings. To measure participants' level of social introversion, Cheek would ask them how true statements such as "I do not have a strong need to be around other people" and "I feel drained after social situations, even if I enjoyed myself" were for them.

2. Thinking

Different from social introverts, thinking introverts do not necessarily steer clear from social situations or events. Thinking introverts are more inclined to get lost in their thoughts, as they are very introspective and reflective by nature. When processing information, these people may seem to momentarily leave the conversation as they organize their thoughts and think through their words before speaking. These types of introverts find peace in activities such as reading or researching, where they can be in a cognitive, thoughtful state. To measure a participant's level of thinking introversion, they were asked how true statements such as "I have a rich, complex inner life" and "I am inclined to be introspective, that is, to analyze myself" were for them.

3. Anxious

People with anxious introversion may shy away from large events or circumstances that push them out of their comfort zone or situations that make them feel nervous or unsafe. Anxious introverts tend to avoid social interactions at all costs, often coming off as rude or dismissive. This avoidance may stem from being self-conscious or a fear of the uncomfortable. Even when alone, anxious introverts may spend time overanalyzing things that have occurred or overthinking what could go wrong in the future. To measure a participant's level of anxious introversion, they were asked how true statements such as "When I enter a room I often become self-conscious and feel that the eyes of others are upon me" and "Even when I am in a group of friends, I often feel very alone and uneasy" were for them.

4. Restrained

Restrained, or inhibited, introverts are usually calm and collected and place a high value on thinking through each of their thoughts and opinions before voicing them aloud. Restrained introverts are typically very reserved in social settings and can appear stoic or difficult to read. They put a lot of thought into their words and actions and may take longer to execute tasks or make decisions as a result. To measure a participant's level of restrained introversion, they were asked how true statements such as "For relaxation, I like to slow down and take things easy" and "I often act on the spur of the moment" were for them.

4 Types of extrovert examples

Typically thought of as the outgoing, social butterflies, extroverts don't shy away from social settings and welcome new experiences with open arms. Similar to introverts, however, four overarching types of extroverts have been distinguished. These varying types of extroversion characterize how a person gains and processes information about the world around them. These four types, discovered through the work of psychologist Carl Jung--sensing, intuitive, feeling, and thinking-- have since become fundamental in the understanding of personality and measuring extroversion.

1. Sensors

Sensing extroverts rely on external stimulation for both their enjoyment and as an energy source. Instead of turning inward, they use their five primary senses to gather and interpret information from around them and draw their conclusions from that. Because of their need for external stimulation, they often engage in new experiences or hands-on activities-- anything that will put them in exciting environments. These people prefer bonding with others over fun activities or adventures that provide physical stimulation instead of deep conversations.

2. Intuitors

Unlike sensors, intuitive extroverts do not rely on external stimulation for most of their energy but rather through theorizing about philosophical concepts or sharing ideas with others. Intuitors enjoy deep, meaningful conversations that will cause them to think critically or form connections about the world around them. These extroverts take the information they've gathered to develop possibilities of what may happen in the future or how things are interconnected. Although they may struggle at times to be present in the moment, intuitors are open-minded and enjoy understanding different perspectives-- a trait that makes them nonjudgmental and welcoming to others with opposing beliefs or opinions.

3. Feelers

Feeling extroverts receive energy from connecting with others and require constant human interaction for their well-being. They strive to form meaningful connections, share ideas, and understand them and their values when interacting with others. They are natural peacekeepers and will often put the needs of others ahead of their own, sometimes forgetting to take care of themselves altogether. Subsequently, these types of extroverts are highly empathetic of others and place a high value on morals.

4. Thinkers

Confident, assertive, thinking extroverts are natural leaders who typically receive energy from leading others and accomplishing goals. Because they find comfort in structure, thinking extroverts prefer to have an efficient process or system for completing tasks or going about their day. When making decisions, thinkers are decisive, logical, and unafraid to take control and get things done. They are happiest when they are challenged, able to create tangible results, and able to solve problems.

Key takeaways on introversion vs extraversion

Introversion and extraversion are both far more complex than people usually realize. Rather than being black or white, these traits fall at opposite ends of a spectrum-- with most people falling somewhere in between. Most people are considered ambiverts, as they may have both introvert and extrovert tendencies depending on the context. Each person is unique and therefore displays their own blend of these characteristics. Learning about your personality type is beneficial to understanding the way you process information, respond to external or internal stimuli, and where you receive your energy from.

Extroversion and introversion are among various other personality-defining traits. Take our free personality assessment to learn your unique profile.

what kind of personality types and how they differ, who are ambiverts

Many people think that an introvert and an extrovert are just two sides of the same coin. Will you stay at home on Friday night or meet up with friends? Will you be the center of attention or away from the spotlights? In fact, a person is not white or black, there are no pure types in psychology, experts assure. There are people, for example, very tall or short, but most strive for average values. So it is with extroversion. This is just one of the five main personality traits (openness to new things, conscientiousness, pleasantness, neuroticism), so it cannot completely determine our behavior. Let's take a closer look at what introvert and extrovert mean.

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Psychology

Psychology of communication

Introvert

extrovert

The famous psychiatrist Carl Jung at the beginning of the 20th century identified types of people - extroverts and introverts. In psychology, this distinction became convenient and popular, and over time began to be used to define a person in ordinary life. Knowing who you belong to, it is easier to understand yourself and choose a circle of friends. Sometimes it seems to us that the world is ruled and dominated by extroverts. Although in reality, they can simply make themselves louder, making more noise. But is the gap really that deep between an introvert and an extrovert? Do the former really need help and support in order to develop their own talents and not remain on the margins?

Everything is not as categorical as it seems at first glance. Yes, open and closed people exist. But there are many examples when an extrovert and an introvert behave in unexpected ways, because each person throughout life demonstrates flexibility and opens up from different angles. And in these categories there is a place for the golden mean. We will talk about it and the main opposites from the point of view of psychology below.

What does introverted personality type mean? The tendency to introversion is manifested if you like to spend time alone with yourself, your thoughts and ideas. If you do not know how to determine whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, try to find the following main features in yourself.

They are characteristic of those who prefer to isolate themselves from the outside world more often.

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love of being alone;
unwillingness to be the center of attention;
one-on-one preference;
first think, then do;
recovery alone;
work in a quiet independent environment;
secrecy.

There is a big difference between introversion and shyness. Shy people are often also afraid of what others will think of them, while introverts do not have negative emotions and such fears.

Just because introverts don't like big groups doesn't mean they can't make friends and relationships. In this sense, they are almost no different from extroverts. In addition, they can make excellent careers simply by sticking to roles in which loneliness is possible: accounting, engineering, writing, driving trucks, etc.

The main difference between an introvert and an extrovert is the desire to focus more often on their own feelings and thoughts . They are characterized by a greater concentration than representatives of the opposite camp. It is unfair to call them socially isolated, selfish or unhappy people.

Introverts also desire to communicate, show feelings and care for others. But the difference is that an introvert will do all this with more restraint, "impartiality" than an extrovert. So the talk that people who are less generous with emotions love order too much, are sensitive to negativity, or are “on their own minds” is also groundless. These are already other characteristics, from the category of neuroticism.

How an extraverted personality type manifests itself

Whoever is hard to blame for passivity or love of solitude is an extrovert. He just needs to draw strength from external sources. To shine and find grateful listeners in the society is about them. Hence the significant differences: an extrovert knows how to present himself, and an introvert, no matter how smart and educated, is not always capable of this.

Such people direct their energy outward — to other people and the realization of their ideas. We have looked at personality types in which an introvert manifests itself, and you can compare the main traits with an extrovert.

many acquaintances and friends;
love of attention;
fast decision making;
getting energy from being among people;
enthusiasm and positive attitude;
work in a team or group.

Extroverts tend to get more support from other people when they find themselves in a difficult situation. And in general, there is a stereotype that society loves extroverts more, so they more often become leaders and choose sales, marketing, PR and other areas where communication with people is important.

It is important to remember that this is only one of the characteristics. And there is a big difference between a pleasant introvert and a rude extrovert.

By the way, people often talk about introverts as being too sensitive, unlike extroverts. The latter, they say, go through life easier and are not led to mental troubles. American psychologist and researcher Elaine Eyron has carefully studied the issue of sensitivity and came to curious conclusions. In particular, the writer noticed that Jung singled out in extroverts a love of risk, the ability to enter into a conversation without a shadow of a doubt and speak their mind. In his opinion, introverts are completely incapable of these feats.

And Elaine Ayron believes that about a third of highly sensitive people can be called extroverts. She singled out the concept of "social extrovert", which differs from Jung's introvert in that the former easily make acquaintances and feel confident in crowded places. Otherwise, they are even similar.

The definition of introvert and extrovert can help leaders and managers when working with employees. In particular, when issuing orders. It will be more difficult for an extrovert to cope with a task that requires perseverance and attention to detail. And it is desirable to encourage the initiative of introverts, not allowing extroverts to become "irritants" in the team.

Despite the fact that the extrovert and introvert have significant differences, they are able to get along in the same unit of society. You probably noticed in the company a ringleader and a “quiet woman”, in a pair a more impulsive spouse and her “obedient” husband, and so on. They find compromises and interact with the whole world, and not just representatives of their "clan".

An introvert and an extrovert at the same time: an ambivert type

As soon as a friend refrains from a verbose conversation or wants to read a book on his day off alone, you involuntarily begin to write him down as an introvert. Labels are always easier to attach. So there is a feeling that the person was able to “bite through”, which means it will be easier to build an appropriate relationship with him. But you should know that there are not only extrovert and introvert, but also other concepts.

Introverts and extroverts view pleasure differently. Their source for this is different. For one, this is a quiet rest, and for the other, being in the center of attention. But if after a noisy party there comes a desire to sit alone, this is the golden mean. The ambivert is the bridge between the introvert and the extrovert, containing the qualities of both. Psychologists believe that it is mixed personality types that prevail. Barry Smith, professor emeritus and director of the Laboratory of Human Psychophysiology at the University of Maryland, claims that ambiverts make up 68% of the total population.

Thanks to this view, we understand that not everything is so simple in the psychological portraits of people. Ambiver is the middle between the introvert and extrovert, it has their features:

Flexibility in communication
The ability to value loneliness charges
The desire to be published (dosed)
ability to adapt to situation
Good listener and speaker

They took the best from two fronts, combining the character of an introvert and an extrovert. According to psychologists, ambiverts become worthy managers because they show leadership qualities and remain reasonable, able to stop and delve into issues. They are equally comfortable shining in society and secluded from prying eyes.

Indiana State University Shyness Research Institute Director Bernardo Carducci believes that the prevalence of introversion and extraversion is strongly influenced by genetics. The middle ground between an extrovert and an introvert - ambiversion - is also a hereditary tendency, not an acquired one.

How to know if you are an introvert, extrovert or ambivert

Most people are in the middle of the extraversion scale. This means that an introvert and an extrovert in their absolute form are extremely rare. And this is very good. Everyone has their own temperament, which reveals our emotionality to one degree or another, reflects actions. But this is only one of the puzzles of the multifaceted nature of man.

Extroverts and introverts, whose characteristics should not be reduced to peremptorily "open soul" and "lone wolf", can actually make friends. To do this, it is enough to mark the boundaries and build a dialogue.

There are many tests to determine your type, but they are of little importance and should not determine your life as the ultimate truth. Experts believe that one cannot forcibly change one's personality by stepping on one's own throat. But with a signal to leave the comfort zone, everyone can show and develop the necessary qualities. Therefore, the difference between an introvert and an extrovert is the same as between all people - there is a common thing, but individuality always comes first.

We briefly reviewed the concepts of extrovert and introvert, but it's like a horoscope - a conditional division, common points, but you can't treat everyone with the same brush. It doesn't matter if there are two people nearby or a hundred. It is much more important to cultivate positive personal qualities in oneself!

What is the difference between an introvert and an extrovert: explanation and facts

Is it possible to unambiguously assign a certain personality type to a person? Probably not worth it. But you need to figure out what these same personality types mean.

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Personality tests can relatively help you understand yourself and your personality type. Often these tests are guided by the concepts of "extroversion" and "introversion". Someone has a penchant for easy and relaxed communication in any company (extrovert), while the other person is always closed from people even in familiar surroundings (introvert). But it is worth understanding a little more about how these terms are applicable and how unambiguous they are.

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

“When I think about the words introvert and extrovert, I think about how people feel about themselves and the world around them,” says Chelsea Connors, a certified coach and therapist. So, Connors explains, the big difference is how everyone chooses to spend their time.

Introverts:

like to spend time alone;
prefer to relax/have fun in a small company;
may "withdraw into themselves" by separating from company/friends/family in order to "emotionally recharge";
can get lost in their own thoughts and excessive, confused reasoning.

Extroverts:

like to spend time in company;
feel natural in a large company;
prefer to "dissolve" into the crowd/company in order to "emotionally recharge";
easily find a common language with any person and love when they are given a lot of attention.

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“Introverts tend to spend more time alone, are well aware of their inner thoughts, and recharge more when alone. Extroverts can be just the opposite: they are outspoken, sociable and love to be around other people,” adds Connors. "We often see that extroverts feel fulfilled after being in a crowd and interacting with a lot of people, while introverts may feel drained from the same experience.

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