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

Ringed with buffalo bur and coniferous trees, the tank’s reflective qualities are a photographer’s dream. —Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 18 Apr. 2024

To reduce that number, humans have to mitigate the twin hazards of reflective glass windows and artificial lighting. —Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2024

The reflective new single looks back on Gunna’s interpersonal relationships and extracurricular activities. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2024

Soft, reflective music fills the venue as a hush falls over the crowd. —Michael C. Bender, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024

Additionally, the design of ONDA showcases the best of Punta de Mita with native flora, reflective water corridors, organic materials and antique Mexican pieces such as large Oaxacan ceramics. —Yola Robert, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

The wonder Eclipse mania may seem prevalent, but these celestial happenings can be a more spiritual and reflective experience for some, depending on religion or culture. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024

Tiger’s smaller fund is both a sign of the times and reflective of how the firm’s LP relationships may be shifting. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

While Etchells is asking for a more reflective relationship with our screens, Haidt implores governments—and parents—to tear up our current approaches and start afresh. —Matt Reynolds, WIRED, 29 Mar. 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