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

For example, bullet journaling, reflective journaling, junk journaling, gratitude journaling and freewriting. —Noma Nazish, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

That’s reflective of the current Pope Francis, who’s been largely commended for his liberal viewpoints. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 Nov. 2024

Trump rode around in a garbage truck and conducted his rally in a reflective vest on Wednesday to draw attention to Biden’s disparaging remarks about his supporters. —Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024

The side features a power toggle and air vents, and a reflective black visor circling the front bumper. —PCMAG, 28 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