INTP vs ENTP: Similarities and 11 Differences

It’s very common for people to mistype themselves or be mistyped as INTPs or ENTPs, especially since ENTPs are the most introverted of the extraverted personality types.

If you’re looking for an INTP vs ENTP test to better identify your personality type and answer the question ‘How do I know if I am INTP or ENTP?’ then you’re off to a good start here.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the similarities and differences between INTPs and ENFJs, based on their cognitive functions to help you learn how to spot the difference between an INTP and an ENTP to better identify your MBTI type.

Let’s start by taking a look at their cognitive function stack

INTP vs ENTP Cognitive Functions

The INTP Function Stack

• Dominant introverted thinking (Ti)
• Auxiliary extraverted intuition (Ne)
• Tertiary introverted sensing (Si)
• Inferior extraverted feeling (Fe)

The ENTP Function Stack

• Dominant extraverted intuition (Ne)
• Auxiliary introverted thinking (Ti)
• Tertiary extraverted feeling (Fe)
• Inferior introverted sensing (Si)

These cognitive functions can be further explained as follows:

• Dominant function: The most dominant of one’s mental processes; this is what people tend to use on a daily basis, such as when making decisions or solving problems.
• Auxiliary function: Under certain circumstances, the auxiliary can help support the dominant function by leading you to consider all possibilities. It usually helps explain your reasoning behind making decisions if there are multiple solutions found to be reasonable. This is known as “Harmony of the Four Functions”.
• Tertiary function: The Tertiary function is thought to be the least consciously developed than the other three. It would typically develop during adolescence and can help support your dominant and auxiliary functions, giving you access to a broader range of information and experiences so as to not feel limited by them
• Inferior function: This mental process tends to only come into play when we are under stress, and it typically involves a negative or immature version of the Dominant and Auxiliary functions. This is known as “The Opposing Personality”, and it often shows up when we feel inadequate in certain situations, causing us to lash out emotionally against others.

Major Similarities Between INTP and INFJ

INTPs and ENTPs share the same cognitive functions but in different orders. Sharing these same cognitive functions means that INTPs and ENTPs share many similarities, including:

• Both INTPs and ENTPs are logical and analytical. They enjoy exploring ideas and theories and are drawn to systems and structures.
• They’re insightful and creative. They see the world in a unique way and are able to come up with innovative solutions to problems.
• They’re independent and autonomous. They like to be in control of their lives and their surroundings, and they don’t like to be told what to do.
• They both have a strong sense of intuition, which allows them to see beyond the surface and into the true nature of things.
• Both are good at thinking outside the box and seeing the possibilities in any situation.

11 Examples to Understand the INTP vs ENTP Comparision

1. When dealing with new thoughts, INTPs would prefer to dwell on them and think them through logically while ENTPs would want to discuss them with others and explore all the possibilities.
2. Because of their introverted nature, INTPs prefer to work alone in a low-stress environment and would prefer remote jobs over an office job. ENTPs, on the other hand, would prefer a job with people and lots of change and stimulus, because even though they’re more ambiverted than extraverted, and wouldn’t suffer much working alone, they still derive their energy from being around people.
3. When faced with an issue, INTPs will act more deliberately and prefer to analyze the issue rationally before making a decision while ENTPs are more spontaneous in their actions and may make a decision without completely analyzing the issue.
4. INTPs have a strong sense of independence and autonomy, much more than ENTPs, and will find a hard time asking for help from others if they need it, they may not even consider it.
5. ENTPs on the other hand have no trouble asking for help when they need it, and in fact, may even enjoy helping others.
6. INTPs are more reserved with their emotions and feelings and find it hard to express them, they also can’t easily pick up on what people around them are feeling, while ENTPs are more expressive of their emotions and feelings, and are better at picking up on the emotions and feelings of those around them.
7. INTPs focus more on things and ideas, they are less interested in people, while ENTPs focus more on people and are less interested in things and ideas.
8. INTPs can see the value in traditional methods and systems, while ENTPs are more likely to see the possibilities in breaking tradition and coming up with new methods, they don’t see the point of following traditions for traditions’ sake, while INTPs will find the reasoning behind it.
9. Even though they appear laid back and less organized, INTPs, in fact, are more likely to be perfectionists and have high standards for themselves when it comes to their work. ENTPs are less likely to be perfectionists and have a more relaxed attitude towards their work.
10. INTPs appear lazy and laid back to people around them. They are at times, but that doesn’t stop the reality that they can be the most hyper focused and excitedly active people when they’re dealing with something that interests them. ENTPs appear outgoing and lively to people around them, but just like INTPs, people miss the reality that they’re more introverted than most extraverted types and need time alone to be the life of the party.
11. Because of their bluntness, INTPs can often come across as insensitive or unsympathetic to the feelings of others, while ENTPs are more tactful with their words and can be more sensitive to the feelings of others.
12. INTPs are more likely to see the logical side of things while ENTPs are more likely to see the possibilities and potential in things.

FAQs

Can INTP become ENTP?

It’s common for INTP to display ENTP quality as they grow older and become more comfortable around people, but these side qualities are more gained through life experience than through a switch in cognitive functions.

Introverted ENTP vs Extroverted INTP?

Introverted ENTPs are more reserved and quieter than their extraverted counterparts, while extraverted INTPs are more outspoken and lively.

INTP vs ENTP Humor

ENTPs aren’t afraid to show their silly side and use humor to get their point across, while INTPs are less likely to use humor as a way to communicate. INTPs have a preference for dark humor which can often be misunderstood.

ENTP vs INTP Intellegence: Are ENTPs smarter than INTPs?

There’s no real answer to this question as intelligence is relative and can’t be measured. However, INTPs are more likely to be analytical and good at problem-solving, while ENTPs are more likely to be creative and innovative.

INTP vs ENTP Female

There isn’t a big difference between INTP and ENTP females, but INTPs are quieter and less expressive than ENTP females. INTPs are also more likely to be attracted to science and math careers while ENTP females prefer careers in the arts.

CONCLUSION

I hope you found this article helpful, if you did make sure to share it with your friends and leave your feedback in the comments below.

Be sure to check out my other articles about INTP and other introverted Personality types!

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INTP Vs INFJ: Similarities and 12 Differences ISTP Vs INTP : Similarities and 9 Differences INTP Vs INFP : Similarities and 11 Differences Understanding The INTP Ti-Si Loop and How to Break Free From It INTP Vs INTJ : 9 Ways To Tell These Two Intuitive Thinkers Apart!