Ambivert vs. Omnivert: What Are the Differences?

If you don’t feel like you fit the definition of an introvert or an extrovert, you might fall within the new classifications duality psychology theoreticians came up with—ambiverts vs. omniverts.

To find out which category you belong to, it would be a good idea to learn about similarities and differences between ambiverts and omniverts and do a personality test to resolve your doubts.

In this article, we will not only explain what it means to be an ambivert vs. an omnivert but also cover how these two types act in business, social, and romantic settings. By focusing on the five main differences between them, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of their distinct features.

Key Takeaways

• Ambiverts are individuals who balance between extrovert and introvert traits, as they don’t lean too heavily in either direction.
• Omniverts will frequently shift from extreme extroversion to extreme introversion, surprising everyone around them.
• Ambiverts and omniverts differ in emotional stability and the way they process information, as well as how balanced, predictable, and adaptable they are.
• In the professional world, ambiverts tend to be excellent communicators and listeners, while omniverts can make business connections easily but struggle to maintain the bond.
• In a romantic setting, ambiverts are usually predictable and easy to talk to, while omniverts can switch up their personality on the second date.

What Is an Ambivert?

An ambivert is a person who has the perfect balance of extrovert and introvert features as part of their innate personality.

Oftentimes called social introverts, ambiverts enjoy spending time with other people, but they also need some ‘alone time’ to recharge after a social event. They usually don’t go to extremes, so they will neither be a lone wolf nor a social butterfly.

Someone who is an ambivert is likely to:

• Be equally good at listening and talking
• Have the ability to adjust to the situation and regulate their behavior
• Cherish social gatherings and ‘alone time’ equally
• Be understanding and empathic
• Provide balance in a group of people, oftentimes breaking the awkward silence

We could say that ambiverts have an advantage over extremely extroverted people, as well as completely introverted personality types. They don’t lean too heavily in either direction, so they have a much easier time connecting with people and adjusting their approach to them.

Additionally, ambiverts are by no means a rare personality type. Adam Grant at Wharton studied this phenomenon and found that, in fact, two-thirds of people can be called ambiverts. This means that if you aren’t one yourself, you likely know quite a few of them.

What Is an Omnivert?

Unlike ambiverts, an omnivert personality tends to experience extreme swings between introversion and extroversion. As a result, they usually have a problem balancing outgoingness and shyness.

They frequently hop from one social persona to another, so it can sometimes seem like they have a dual personality. Additionally, people never know how an omnivert is going to behave in a social setting, as their personality depends on the environment and who they are with.

It’s safe to say that omniverts:

• Aren’t consistent, which confuses the people around them
• Can act like two completely different people, depending on who they are with and how they are feeling
• Feel what others need from them so they can either act like an extrovert or an introvert

Needless to say, having so many highs and lows can sometimes put a lot of unnecessary stress on omniverts and the people that surround them. Likewise, other people can sometimes get the wrong idea about them, as their mood swings can make them seem erratic and unstable.

It’s worth noting that the term “omnivert” is not as widely recognized in academic psychology as ambivert is, and it’s a more informal concept that nonetheless resonates with many people’s experiences.

Ambivert vs. Omnivert: 5 Key Differences

Sometimes, the differences between an omnivert and an ambivert can be subtle, depending on to what degree they exhibit their natural tendencies. However, there are five distinctive features that can help you determine if a person is an ambivert or an omnivert, such as:

#1. Predictability

Because of their level-headedness and balance, ambiverts usually act in a predictable manner. The same can’t be said for omniverts since, as mentioned previously, they can experience extreme character shifts depending on their surroundings and feelings.

#2. Information-Processing

Since ambiverts maintain a balance between introverted and extroverted characteristics, they will process information by listening attentively and then speaking confidently. Omniverts, on the other hand, will process information depending on the context or situation.

#3. Friendships

Ambiverts can usually befriend people with all kinds of personalities. Likewise, they tend to constantly act in the same manner around them, regardless of how they feel.

On the contrary, an omnivert might surround themselves with people who are fully introverted or extroverted. Additionally, they may switch between groups of friends depending on how they are feeling.

#4. Emotional Stability

As the more balanced of the two, ambiverts tend to be emotionally stable most of the time. This is in stark contrast with omniverts, who can have extreme emotional responses. They are significantly more reactive, and their reactions depend on the mode they are in.

#5. Adaptability

Ambiverts don’t experience any extreme inclinations, so they can adjust to situations and new people rather easily. When it comes to omniverts, their ability to adapt to a new idea or surroundings will depend on many factors, such as the vibe they get from other people who are involved.

Ambivert vs. Omnivert in a Social Setting

The ambivert vs. omnivert differences are probably best seen in a social setting.

Specifically, an ambivert is likely to have an even social personality. They are probably not going to present themselves like typical extroverts who radiate confidence and charisma, but they will also not be a shy person who sits in the corner. Their energy levels might change from time to time, but you can almost always predict how they will act around other people.

On the other hand, omniverts have a social personality that completely depends on the situation. When they are in their extroverted headspace, omniverts tend to be the life of the party. If you were to meet them at this moment, you would assume that they are extroverts—but that could easily change the next time you see them. Whether they will thrive or withdraw into themselves in a hectic social situation is completely unpredictable.

Ambivert vs. Omnivert in a Business Meeting

In a business meeting, an ambivert will excel by listening attentively and speaking carefully, while an omnivert could either win everyone over with their charm or shut down completely.

According to the above-mentioned research conducted by Adam Grant, ambiverts are the personality type most likely to succeed in the business world.

While they can find success in all business spheres, they are likely to do exceptionally well in sales, as they listen to customers’ interests and then close the sale with enthusiasm. These qualities would also help ambiverts be excellent PRs and marketing managers.

Moreover, they can naturally engage in talking and listening during a business meeting. Therefore, they find it easy to express both assertiveness and interest in what others are saying.

Someone with an omnivert personality, on the other hand, can be a rockstar during a business meeting or conference. They can make business connections left and right, impressing everyone with their talkativeness. However, their mood might shift in the evening hours, urging them to lock themselves in their hotel room to avoid socializing with coworkers.

Ambivert vs. Omnivert on Dates

On dates, ambiverts are more likely to have decent conversations at the very least, while omniverts could either have an excellent time or show up guarded and reserved.

If you are dating an ambivert, you will probably know it by how well they keep the conversation going. Since they are adaptable and stable, ambiverts usually have no problem talking to people with all types of personalities. They make excellent listeners and communicators, so their dates usually don’t go home with extremely negative feelings.

Contrarily, omniverts can go to extremes. They can show you the time of your life or make you feel like you have wasted it. Depending on how they feel and the vibe they get from you, they can either talk your ear off or be reserved. Likewise, there’s no telling whether they will act the same way if you get to the second date, as they have an unpredictable nature, so their dates might mistake them for someone with a toxic personality.

How to Be More of an Ambivert If You’re an Omnivert

If you are an omnivert, becoming more of an ambivert is possible if you make an attempt to better understand yourself, practice mindfulness, and find some balance in your life. All this can help you become more stable and level-headed.

#1. Understand Your Personality

The first step toward becoming more of an ambivert for someone who is an omnivert is understanding their personality and strengths.

Try to observe whether there are any people, circumstances, or situations that trigger your personality shifts. Knowing why you react the way you do can help you avoid these sudden switches, thus becoming more stable—like a true ambivert.

Likewise, you can get a better understanding of yourself—including your strengths and weaknesses—by opting for a self-discovery tool like the 16-personalities test. Finding out which of the 16 personality types you are will help you gain a deeper knowledge of your behavior patterns and potential aspirations.

The theory behind the 16-personalities test deals with four main dimensions:

• Extraversion vs. Introversion
• Intuition vs. Sensing
• Feeling vs. Thinking
• Judging vs. Perceiving

With the exception of “intuition,” which is labeled "N," these four dimensions are denoted by the first letter forming one of the 16 personality acronyms.

That being said, the 16-personalities test can’t exactly tell you whether you are an ambivert or an omnivert, as the test results either place you in an “introverted” or an “extroverted” bucket.

There are, however, examples of personalities that, although E-types, do not typically resonate with “pure” extraversion but rather consider themselves introverted extroverts, or, in other words, ambiverts.

The most likely ambiverts among the 16 personalities are the so-called XNXP types, meaning they always have an “N” and a “P” in their acronym.

Of those XNXP personality types, the most likely ambiverts are ENTPs and ENFPs, so if the test results indicate you’re one of these two types, chances are you are an ambivert, and exploring the other three personality dimensions will help you learn a lot about yourself.

#2. Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness helps one stay focused and centered in all kinds of situations. People who tend to overanalyze are prone to suffering from stress. Those individuals, along with omniverts, can significantly benefit from mindfulness.

With it, omniverts can become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. Likewise, they can learn how to regulate their emotions and stay calm under pressure, which is a key characteristic of ambiverts.

#3. Find Balance

Balance is the hallmark trait of ambiverts. They tend to effortlessly juggle between introversion and extroversion, which is why they appear stable and centered.

If you want to become more like an ambivert, it’s necessary to find balance in all spheres of life. For example, try to spend equal amounts of time in the company of others, but grant yourself just as much alone time. Of course, find a way to blend introverted and extroverted tendencies in a way that’s going to feel natural and genuine.

How to Recognize an Ambivert or an Omnivert When You Meet Them

You can recognize an ambivert or an omnivert when you meet them by paying attention to how a person acts and interacts.

If you are in the presence of an ambivert, you will notice that:

• They are level-headed, reliable, and less reactive.
• You can anticipate their behavior, as they are consistent.
• Their balanced traits give them the confidence to be outgoing and speak in public but also think carefully about what they say next.

On the other hand, if you find yourself in an omnivert’s company, you will realize that they:

• Have the potential to either be excellent at communicating with others or be very poor interlocutors.
• Are particular about the people who get to see their extroverted side, as they might not be very social with everyone.
• Might be labeled as temperamental by people around them since they can experience frequent mood swings.

Final Thoughts

There aren’t winning and losing sides in the battle of ambivert vs. omnivert personality types. They both come with distinctive features and are helpful in assessing an individual’s personality.

Ambiverts tend to be the golden middle between extroverts and introverts, while omniverts can be extremely sociable one day, going on to find comfort in solitude the next day.

The good news is that nothing is set in stone, and omniverts can become more like ambiverts if that’s what they want. Balance, personal insights, and some relaxation techniques will do wonders for becoming more stable and level-headed.

Ambivert vs. Omnivert FAQ