Personality Cafe banner

Differences between ENFP and ENTP?

57076 Views 42 Replies 26 Participants Last post by  atamagasuita
I was just wondering what some of the differences of Enfp and Entp were. I had always classified myself as a Enfp, but after more tests showing up as Entp, I'm just not quite sure. So, I was wondering if some of you lovely people on here could tell me some of the characteristics of an Enfp and an Entp; as I would rather not spill out my whole life story for a thread that will probably only get like, 2 replies. Merci~! :)
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 43 Posts
Well, let's see an ENTP's cognitive functions are Ne, Ti, Fe, Si, Ni, Te, Fi, Se whereas an ENFP's cognitive functions are Ne, Fi, Te, Si, Ni, Fe, Ti, Se. So, both use extraverted intuition as their main function. ENFPs auxiliary function is Fi. Fi holds very strong moral values, they have very high opinions of how things should be, they are very individual, they do not conform, they tune into a person very quickly looking for similar values, and they make judgements constantly whether things coincide with their values or not.
The tertiary function of ENFPs is Te. Te is all about organizing and categorizing ideas or things, they see the logical consequences of their actions, it allows us to compartmentalize in order to get things done, these people are usually very good at structuring essays or ideas, they're very step by step oriented.

The auxiliary function of ENTPs is Ti. Introverted thinkers are very good at problem solving and analysis. They can read through something and notice all of the logical inconsistencies that don't coincide with the original framework. They're very good at analyzing ideas and things or taking them apart to figure out how they work. They are constantly looking for the ways to solve something.
The tertiary function of ENTPs is Fe which is completely different from Fi. Fe is about conformity, pleasing others, self-sacrifice, getting along with the group, fitting in, helping others, they like to relate and connect with other people, and they're very good at generally "knowing" what people need.

So, if you actually analyze it by the functions they are quite different. Also, your tertiary functions are used a lot less often than your dominant and auxiliary functions, but are still recognizable in your behavior. Which set most matches yourself?
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 5
I was just wondering what some of the differences of Enfp and Entp were. I had always classified myself as a Enfp, but after more tests showing up as Entp, I'm just not quite sure. So, I was wondering if some of you lovely people on here could tell me some of the characteristics of an Enfp and an Entp
Well, since I respond well to flattery... I'll humor you. :wink:

The clearest way to tell the difference between the two is in looking at Ti vs. Fi. Both are big-idea people that have very little patience with doing things just because they've always been done a certain way. The difference is, ENTPs tend to internalize the logic of a given system; so, we accept and reject the importance of ideas based on how accurate and logically consistent they are, according to the logical principles chosen by the ENTP in question. ENFPs have the same process, but they evaluate things based on how they fit in with the ethical framework chosen by the ENFP in question.

ENTP: "I don't like this idea; I won't go along with it, because it violates X, Y, Z logical rules"
ENFP: "I don't like this idea; I won't go along with it, because it violates X, Y, Z ethical rules"

Now, either type can like logical consistency or ethics, but the difference is, ENTPs primarily process things with their inner logical framework, and ethics play a much smaller role in whether they accept or reject a given idea. ENFPs, on the other hand, primarily process things with their inner value system (which may or may not line up with everyone else's), and reject or accept ideas based on how they line up with said value system; the logic of it plays less of a part in whether or not the ENFP would consider it a good idea.

The tertiary function in ENTPs (I'm just going to explain tertary Fe, since I'm less familiar with how tertiary Te manifests itself in ENFPs) basically translates into an awareness of how their statements and ideas will affect other people, in an emotional sense. So, this can translate into heightened emotional sensitivity and/or heightened manipulative skills (generally, the latter develop before the former). It also leads to a tendency for ENTPs to like provoking reactions in others, and we sometimes come off as a bit narcissistic.

So, to summarize, with an ENTP, you have someone who's analytical, incisive, and becomes more socially aware and charming as they grow older. With an ENFP, you have someone who's value-oriented, personally convicted, and becomes more pragmatic and clear-minded as they grow older.

as I would rather not spill out my whole life story for a thread that will probably only get like, 2 replies. Merci~! :)
Oh, you seriously underestimated how much people like typing others around here (myself included)...
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 5
@TemptedFate
So, if you actually analyze it by the functions they are quite different. Also, your tertiary functions are used a lot less often than your dominant and auxiliary functions, but are still recognizable in your behavior. Which set most matches yourself?
What if I can see myself as both? I take things apart to see how they work, and know what people would need or want, and analyze things like an ENTP would, but I also have the very high morals and make judgement with them like of that an ENFP possesses. Maybe, I'll forever be just a ENxP. :p


@Dark Romantic
So, to summarize, with an ENTP, you have someone who's analytical, incisive, and becomes more socially aware and charming as they grow older. With an ENFP, you have someone who's value-oriented, personally convicted, and becomes more pragmatic and clear-minded as they grow older.
What about a person who has these traits equally? I'd say I analyze what all's going on all around me, while staying Value-oriented? And so on. :0. Gosh, I just fail at life. xD.

Oh, you seriously underestimated how much people like typing others around here (myself included)...
Maybe, I'll post stuff then... Maybe. C:

YAY! First time using quotes on here, Hopefully I used them properly. xD
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Wow, great responses from the ENTP's. You bascially said everything i would have said. I don't know how easy it is to tell these types apart. At a glance, in communication it will be hard, especially if the ENFP in question has a well developed Te. We both lead with Ne, and as it was mentioned ENFP use Fi, ENTP, Ti. These two functions can actually look similiar also. They're both subjective, and the user will hold on very strongly to what they believe whether it be logical or ethical. For me it comes down to Fe vs Fi. This is the easiest way for me to see the difference between these two types. Since my Fi is so strong compared to my Fe which is basically non existent, this is how i know i'm not ENTP. If you can relate with the Fe in an ENTP, you're probably not an ENFP. Fe/Fi are polar opposite, if you study the functions and how they operate, the difference will become obvious and clear. Good luck, lots of information online if you do some research.:)
See less See more
Wow, great responses from the ENTP's. You bascially said everything i would have said. I don't know how easy it is to tell these types apart. At a glance, in communication it will be hard, especially if the ENFP in question has a well developed Te. We both lead with Ne, and as it was mentioned ENFP use Fi, ENTP, Ti. These two functions can actually look similiar also. They're both subjective, and the user will hold on very strongly to what they believe whether it be logical or ethical. For me it comes down to Fe vs Fi. This is the easiest way for me to see the difference between these two types. Since my Fi is so strong compared to my Fe which is basically non existent, this is how i know i'm not ENTP. If you can relate with the Fe in an ENTP, you're probably not an ENFP. Fe/Fi are polar opposite, if you study the functions and how they operate, the difference will become obvious and clear. Good luck, lots of information online if you do some research.:)
This is almost exactly what I was just about to add on :p! The main questions is, if you were in a group would you rather stick with what you believe in or conform to make everyone else happy? One is all about remaining true to yourself while the other is about making other people happy; they are complete opposites from one another.
This is almost exactly what I was just about to add on :p! The main questions is, if you were in a group would you rather stick with what you believe in or conform to make everyone else happy? One is all about remaining true to yourself while the other is about making other people happy; they are complete opposites from one another.
Mmm... I wouldn't put it like that. Fe doesn't mean conformity to the moral beliefs of the masses (otherwise, you wouldn't see any INFJs capable of holding an independent moral stance), it means that your idea of what's morally valid has an external focus, not an internal one. Fe would look at an action and judge it based mainly how it affected others, how much suffering it caused, how much joy and/or improvement came about as a result, etc. while Fi would make the same judgment based on their internal system of right vs not right. ENxPs in general are huge non-conformists.
  • Like
Reactions: 5
@TemptedFate

What if I can see myself as both? I take things apart to see how they work, and know what people would need or want, and analyze things like an ENTP would, but I also have the very high morals and make judgement with them like of that an ENFP possesses. Maybe, I'll forever be just a ENxP. :p
Do your morals have an internal focus (meaning, you base the moral value of a given action on how it relates to your feelings on it), or is it an external one (where you base it on how it affects others)? Are you analyzing things so that they make logical sense in a closed system, or is application and the result the main focus (so, are you concerned with designing things so that they're internally consistent, or are you more concerned with making sure things are running smoothly, and that the bottom line is being served?)
What about a person who has these traits equally? I'd say I analyze what all's going on all around me, while staying Value-oriented? And so on. :0. Gosh, I just fail at life.
Well, everyone learns both lessons. The question is, have you gone from being colder, more detached, and less in-touch with the people around you, to becoming warmer, more engaging, and learning how to relate more empathetically to others? Or, have you gone from being incredibly idealistic, seeing the world largely through a lens of moral potential (saying things like "if people were like this and this, the world would be an awesome place to live!"), and often out of touch with reality, to being more grounded, practical, and realistic?

I know you can see how you've done both (damn Ne), but pick the one which resonates the deepest, or the one which makes the most sense.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 3
What about a person who has these traits equally? I'd say I analyze what all's going on all around me, while staying Value-oriented? And so on. :0. Gosh, I just fail at life. xD.
Hi, I'm an ENFP and am married to an ENTP so I have some close contact to the differences between these two types. I would also focus on whether you prefer Ti versus Fi. One thing that I would say can be a good outside indicator of your preference between the two is if you examine what your deepest ambitions and ideals are. In your dreams how would you like to change the world? What kinds of goals would drive you until your dying day? In other words, what is your subjective, emotional reaction toward using Ti vs using Fi in situations where you have an option and are not compelled by the circumstances to use one or the other?

My husband's ambitions are more to do with the nature and functioning of overarching systems and frameworks and devising these frameworks. It is big-picture thinking but in an impersonal way, the big picture above the individual although it would benefit the individual. He finds that kind of thing really interesting and is creative in that direction.

In contrast, I as an ENFP, although I can apply my brain in that way if I have to, it is too dry for me. It is not inspiring. I am more ambitious in the realm of Fi. I am interested in the big picture but in the internal, subjective world of people, not the overarching external frameworks wherein they exist. I am interested in the frameworks that govern the internal experience. I enjoy connecting to those internal worlds in others and would find it more satisfying to have an impact on that level rather than on the external level. I think for an ENTP, having to practically deal with the subjective side of individual people's reality and feelings would be really exhausting.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 4
Hi, I'm a newbie, completely new and trying to take this all in. When I was 19, I took the MB for an employment placement program, it was quite extensive and I scored ENTP. Over the years, I've retaken the test and gotten different results, from INTP to ENFP to most recently doing a 144 question test on similarminds.com.

Here's what I scored:

Extroverted (E) 58.82% Introverted (I) 41.18%
Intuitive (N) 57.89% Sensing (S) 42.11%
Thinking (T) 51.22% Feeling (F) 48.78%
Perceiving (P) 55.88% Judging (J) 44.12%

As you can see, my Thinking and Feeling are so literally close, I don't know what to make of it. Based on the early responses to this thread, I would say I feel more ENTP, but then there's more: I've been diagnosed as bipolar, I'm Aquarius, and I'm an only-child. So could I be a through-and-through ENTP with the bipolar sensitivity to the outside world, or am I even bipolar or just misdiagnosed in general? I am extremely sensitive, and people who barely know me question my sexuality because of my comfort with admitting liking things like pop music or reality TV or not playing sports...

I'd really appreciate some input and I do believe you guys have a lot of great points, so thanks a lot for adding to the knowledge-base with call the internet!
See less See more
Well, let's see an ENTP's cognitive functions are Ne, Ti, Fe, Si, Ni, Te, Fi, Se whereas an ENFP's cognitive functions are Ne, Fi, Te, Si, Ni, Fe, Ti, Se. So, both use extraverted intuition as their main function. ENFPs auxiliary function is Fi. Fi holds very strong moral values, they have very high opinions of how things should be, they are very individual, they do not conform, they tune into a person very quickly looking for similar values, and they make judgements constantly whether things coincide with their values or not.
The tertiary function of ENFPs is Te. Te is all about organizing and categorizing ideas or things, they see the logical consequences of their actions, it allows us to compartmentalize in order to get things done, these people are usually very good at structuring essays or ideas, they're very step by step oriented.

The auxiliary function of ENTPs is Ti. Introverted thinkers are very good at problem solving and analysis. They can read through something and notice all of the logical inconsistencies that don't coincide with the original framework. They're very good at analyzing ideas and things or taking them apart to figure out how they work. They are constantly looking for the ways to solve something.
The tertiary function of ENTPs is Fe which is completely different from Fi. Fe is about conformity, pleasing others, self-sacrifice, getting along with the group, fitting in, helping others, they like to relate and connect with other people, and they're very good at generally "knowing" what people need.

So, if you actually analyze it by the functions they are quite different. Also, your tertiary functions are used a lot less often than your dominant and auxiliary functions, but are still recognizable in your behavior. Which set most matches yourself?
.......I can relate to both...what now?

According to what @Sign of the Times said I'd be ENFP, however I'm too damaged to be considered extroverted in the classical sene. (aka social)
Okay, here's my example...

Say someone wants to buy marijuana, but ends up getting it from a dealer. An ENTP (this is also what I would personally say) might say "Dude, you don't have your marijuana card to get that shit legally", but not really care about the idea that the person is smoking pot.

An ENFP might ask why you are smoking pot, if there's any underlying issues, and that getting marijuana from dealers is dangerous. They might try to inspire/make the person happy so they don't resort to smoking marijuana.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
Well the thread came back to life, so I decided to do a quick thing. I think I've decided to consider myself as a ENTP, but here's a mini questionaire... Just as a make sure. :)

STOLEN FROM http://personalitycafe.com/whats-my-personality-type/99679-whats-my-type-questionnaire.html

1. Click on this link: Flickr: Explore! Look at the random photo for about 30 seconds. Copy and paste it here, and write about your impression of it.

They look like a long "Great wall of China"-esque line of High heeled shoe statues! xD. It makes me think of the Easter Island type kind, though it could just be cause of the fact that they're statues. :p. I like the photographer's use of a vanishing point and the contrast in shades of light. :)

2. You are with a group of people in a car, heading to a different town to see your favourite band/artist/musician. Suddenly, the car breaks down for an unknown reason in the middle of nowhere. What are your initial thoughts? What are your outward reactions?
My first thought would be "Oh F***, we're screwed. Then again, my car ALWAYS breaks down, so I'd probably just call my dad. I think I'd say "This blows," but try to remain calm on the outside while thinking intensely on what went wrong and what the best solution would be.

3. You somehow make it to the concert. The driver wants to go to the afterparty that was announced (and assure you they won't drink so they can drive back later). How do you feel about this party? What do you do?

It depends on the driver, some people I trust enough to know that they will NOT drink. Otherwise, I'd either make an excuse like, "I work in the morning," or else I'd just drive back afterwards, cause I can trust myself not to drink.

4. On the drive back, your friends are talking. A friend makes a claim that clashes with your current beliefs. What is your inward reaction? What do you outwardly say?

I can speak freely with my friends. I will say my views, and we will get ourselves into a mini debate which afterwards results in us getting so off topic that we both laugh our asses off. As long as they see what I'm trying to say, and I can get my opinion across, who cares what they think?

5. What would you do if you actually saw/experienced something that clashes with your previous beliefs, experiences, and habits?

I probably would get sorta upset, depending on the thing. I'd probably sit and think about it, and also question people I know to see what they think about the subject.

6. What are some of your most important values? How did you come about determining them? How can they change?

Spontaneity. I get bored of EVERYTHING really easily. So, if I get bored of everything, I just... won't do much and won't even TRY. I get annoyed, and frustrated, and I just don't even do what it was that I was supposed to.
Also, I find being unique to be important. I don't want to just follow the crowd, I want to stand out and shine. I want to see what all is going on in the world, and following the crowd will just... bore me. xD.

7. a) What about your personality most distinguishes you from everyone else? b) If you could change one thing about you personality, what would it be? Why?

a.) The fact that I can look past everyone's faults and see there good traits. I don't really have anyone I hate because I can find good or interesting qualities that I admire in everyone.
b.) I wish I was more outgoing, I mean, I can talk to EVERYONE. I can sit there and have conversations with random strangers, but I don't get very personal with too many people so I just feel sort of... Awkward? Like sometimes, I have problems starting conversations. I'm getting better though. :)

8. How do you treat hunches or gut feelings? In what situations are they most often triggered?

Oh maaan, It depends on the situation. Like, if it were I don't think this is a good idea or this will end badly, I WILL NOT DO IT. I do not want to get involved with things that will ruin my life, or make me feel horrible.

9. a) What activities energize you most? b) What activities drain you most? Why?

a.) I get REALLY energized when I talk to interesting people. Since I get bored of things easily, that includes people, so if I have a fun conversation with someone new, or a new conversation with someone who I know but don't have as good of talks with, I get REALLY excited.
b.) Other than hot weather, which.... takes all my energy.. Dx. I'd have to say dealing with people who get OVERLY EMOTIONAL. I just get so frustrated. Also, people trying to make romantic advances even though I CLEARLY say I have no interest in settling down but they're very persistent about it. They wear me down and make me frustrated.

10. What do you repress about your outward behavior or internal thought process when around others? Why?

I try not to show any negative feelings, or show my frustration. I have too much pride. I will not show if I do not know how to do something, unless I really have to. I won't let people see me in a panic or moody. I will hide all those feelings until I'm by myself. Then, I will vent. :0.

Soooo. In my opinion I sound quite ENTP, but... Just to make sure. :D
See less See more
But thank you guys for the wonderful comments. :D
@TemptedFate

What if I can see myself as both? I take things apart to see how they work, and know what people would need or want, and analyze things like an ENTP would, but I also have the very high morals and make judgement with them like of that an ENFP possesses. Maybe, I'll forever be just a ENxP. :p


@Dark Romantic


What about a person who has these traits equally? I'd say I analyze what all's going on all around me, while staying Value-oriented? And so on. :0. Gosh, I just fail at life. xD.


Maybe, I'll post stuff then... Maybe. C:

YAY! First time using quotes on here, Hopefully I used them properly. xD
I see Fi in you, not Ti. This thread and every post you make says FiTe.
I see Fi in you, not Ti. This thread and every post you make says FiTe.
Hmm. They do? I'm gonna have to look into all this. I'm a noob with Mbti. :0.
Hmm. They do? I'm gonna have to look into all this. I'm a noob with Mbti. :0.
You confuse your tert Te for Ti but they are nothing alike. You will understand why right away if you visit the ENTP subforums. You're way too happy-go-round lucky for an ENTP, even with a strong Fe.

That you made this thread to seek out what you think are the educated opinions of others (and emphasis is on educated) points towards tert Te. ENTPs with Fe... they just kinda don't care about that. They trust their own Ti judgements.
You confuse your tert Te for Ti but they are nothing alike. You will understand why right away if you visit the ENTP subforums. You're way too happy-go-round lucky for an ENTP, even with a strong Fe.

That you made this thread to seek out what you think are the educated opinions of others (and emphasis is on educated) points towards tert Te. ENTPs with Fe... they just kinda don't care about that. They trust their own Ti judgements.
I do see what you mean with that. But one of things that threw me off is that on the ENFP forum, is just full of talking about feelings, and emotions. And, those are things that I do not really like talking about, and also get bored of. :0. While the ENTP forum is more of sharp sarcastic humour, which I do have more of.
Okay, here's my example...

Say someone wants to buy marijuana, but ends up getting it from a dealer. An ENTP (this is also what I would personally say) might say "Dude, you don't have your marijuana card to get that shit legally", but not really care about the idea that the person is smoking pot.

An ENFP might ask why you are smoking pot, if there's any underlying issues, and that getting marijuana from dealers is dangerous. They might try to inspire/make the person happy so they don't resort to smoking marijuana.
This, fucking this!!

I seriously think examining our tertiary functions is a load of bull crap. None of us use that well. If you relate to Fe, you just might be a INFJ, ENFJ, ISFJ, or ESFJ.

I am an ENFP mother of an ENTP daughter. Our biggest difference is in our auxiliary functions. We understand each other's creative minds greatly until for me, it becomes anything about ethics. I see my daughter as lacking any morals. She is an immature ENTP. But even as a very young ENTP, she is in no way a people pleaser. In fact, even her schmoozing skills are still retarded. She sees everything as a problem to solve her way I see everything in regards to individual happiness.

Ti doesn't understand other people's logical inconsistencies. ENTPs are not basing logically consistencies this on some objective consensual standard like Te does. Instead, the Ti user judges another person's logic based on that person's own logic. It's like "Look, you say this, but look now what you say..." This is huge for them. They can spend hours on this. Lol.

Today I asked my ENTP daughter what she thought was the biggest difference between Ti and Te, and she replied "Ti is relative".

Seriously, would you solve a problem without regard to how it would make others feel? And if you do take into consideration how someone else might feel, is it to only understand how you might better approach them in order to get what you still want? If so, then you might be an ENTP.

If you really want to understand Ti, look at the problem solving skills of ESTPs, ISTPs, and INTPs. You will see a commonality. It's hard to not notice this. It is very different from Fi and incredibly different from Te.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
1 - 20 of 43 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top