reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv 

1

: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves

2

: marked by reflection : thoughtful, deliberative

3

: of, relating to, or caused by reflection

reflective glare

4

: reflexive sense 3

5

: reflecting something : indicative

how fashion is reflective of society

—Glenda Bailey

reflectively adverb

reflectiveness noun

Did you know?

Reflective people are people who reflect on things--that is, look back at things that have been done or said in order to think calmly and quietly about them. Most reflective people would agree with Socrates that (as he told the jury that would soon sentence him to death) "The unexamined life is not worth living". Reflective people tend to be a bit philosophical and intellectual. But almost everyone has reflective moods; gazing into a fireplace or a campfire seems to do it to almost everyone.

Synonyms

• broody
• cogitative
• contemplative
• meditative
• melancholy
• musing
• pensive
• ruminant
• ruminative
• thoughtful

Examples of reflective in a Sentence

the reflective glare of the shiny metal

She was in a very reflective mood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Leaders should use cohort interactions to engage in reflective dialogue and share their experiences, successes and challenges with peers. —Sam Rockwell, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Bastos Martini says that many of these problems are reflective of employees coping with work stress by engaging in small pleasures—like endlessly scrolling through TikTok, or eating sugary and fatty foods to feel better. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024

These numbers are currently reflective of the gender demographics during Georgia’s last presidential election. —Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 16 Oct. 2024

Commonly, the interior surface is reflective, which enhances the efficiency of the lighting, especially to lower canopy leaves. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reflective

• self-reflective

Kids Definition

reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv 

1

: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves

2

: marked by reflection : thoughtful

3

: of, relating to, or caused by reflection

reflectively adverb

reflectiveness noun

reflectivity

ˌrē-ˌflek-ˈtiv-ət-ē

ri-

noun

Medical Definition

reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv 

1

: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves

2

: of, relating to, or caused by reflection

reflective glare of the snow