reflective

[ri-flek-tiv]

adjective

1. that reflects; reflecting.

2. of or relating to reflection.

3. cast by reflection.

4. given to, marked by, or concerned with meditation or deliberation.

   a reflective person.

   Synonyms: thoughtful, contemplative

reflective

/ rɪˈflɛktɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by quiet thought or contemplation

2. capable of reflecting

   a reflective surface

3. produced by reflection

Other Word Forms

• reflectively adverb
• reflectiveness noun
• reflectivity noun
• antireflective adjective
• antireflectively adverb
• antireflectiveness noun
• nonreflective adjective
• nonreflectively adverb
• nonreflectiveness noun
• overreflective adjective
• overreflectively adverb
• overreflectiveness noun
• self-reflective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflective¹

First recorded in 1620–30; reflect + -ive

Synonym Study

See pensive.

Example Sentences

Watching him being jailed on Thursday it was hard to reconcile the reflective man I had interviewed in my capacity as a journalist, with the often graphic details heard in court.

From BBC

The teenagers also have reflective sessions after the nursery visit to learn more about building healthy relationships and positive attitudes.

From BBC

It’s more a poignant, reflective look at how this country survived the tumult of the ’60s and ’70s by rebooting itself every few years, then running full-speed ahead into something new.”

From Salon

Corse devoted much of her life to her “White Light” series, which involves layering tiny glass beads — called microspheres — over white acrylic paint for a constantly shifting, reflective effect.

From Los Angeles Times

They are not reflective of a genuine concern for student rights.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contemplative 
• deliberate 
• meditative 
• studious