reflective

adjective re·flec·tive \ ri-ˈflek-tiv \

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: reflective in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of reflective

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 3

5 : reflecting something : indicative

how fashion is reflective of society
—Glenda Bailey

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reflectively

adverb

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reflectiveness

noun

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reflectivity

noun

See reflective defined for English-language learners

See reflective defined for kids

Examples of reflective in a Sentence

the reflective glare of the shiny metal
She was in a very reflective mood.

Recent Examples of reflective from the Web

Serena Joy’s change of attitude is reflective of her feelings for the baby and general reverence for the idea of motherhood, not from any admittance of June’s humanity or acknowledgement of the injustices June has endured.

— rena gross, Billboard, "'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2, Episode 12 Recap: 15 Reactions to 'Postpartum'," 4 July 2018
The comments are reflective of some serious divisions among Democrats over the future direction of the party.

— tara golshan, Vox, "What does Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s win mean? There’s a debate.," 2 July 2018
According to a 2014 study of police indemnification around the country, this is reflective of national trends.

— maya dukmasova, Chicago Reader, "News / Criminal Justice Should Chicago cops have to carry misconduct insurance?," 29 June 2018
The Duchess of Sussex, for example, wore a deeply romantic toile du jouy/floral hybrid from Oscar de la Renta for another royal wedding, while over in Paris Naomi Campbell was futuristic fabulous in Iris van Herpen’s reflective, body skimming dress.

— edward barsamian, Vogue, "10 Best Dressed: Week of June 25, 2018," 25 June 2018
Atlanta’s 2017 growth rate of 1.5 percent, higher than eight of the top ten American metro areas, is reflective of the region’s blossoming economy and increasing job prospects.

— alex soderstrom, ajc, "Atlanta metro population on pace to pass Philadelphia as 8th largest," 23 June 2018
All prices are reflective of the time of publication and are updated periodically to account for changes.

— cameron faulkner, The Verge, "Weekend deals on Razer laptops, an LG soundbar, and more," 23 June 2018
In a broader sense, her struggle is reflective of many experiences with self-acceptance in a society that frequently forces stereotypes on individuals.

— leanna burton, Teen Vogue, "Modeling Agency Zandwagon Is Changing the Industry's Restrictive Beauty Standards," 22 June 2018
But Jordan now sees the track as reflective of a certain stage of her songwriting progression.

— michael rosen, SFChronicle.com, "Snail Mail on tour with debut ‘Lush’ while it seeks a new sound," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflective.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.