reflective

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

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

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

The powder in question sets your concealer, but it is also formulated with light-reflective pearl powders and antioxidants to pull double-duty in combatting undereye shadows and puffiness.

— sophie wirt, Allure, "Why Undereye Brightening Powders Are the Pro-Recommended Key to Looking More Awake," 30 Mar. 2018
Maundy Thursday: March 29, 7 p.m., quiet reflective service, with Holy Communion.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 27 Mar. 2018
Polycarbonate polarized lens features scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating.

— necee regis, BostonGlobe.com, "Here, there, and everywhere," 20 Mar. 2018
The wooden stakes' tips are neon-orange and wrapped in a strip of reflective tape.

— tegan hanlon, Anchorage Daily News, "Bering Sea mix-up: Ulsom grabs Iditarod lead when Petit veers off trail," 13 Mar. 2018
Andrew reveals to Jeff Trail—who's still his good friend at this point in time—in a self-reflective moment.

— emma dibdin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Assassination of Gianni Versace," 8 Mar. 2018
Elsewhere, a subtle, pebbled reflective pattern on the shins is functionally invisible during the day, but keeps you visible even when your run takes place in one of the day's 14 agonizing hours of darkness.

— jay willis, GQ, "The Best Running Tights Feel Cozy and Look Like They Came from Captain America's Closet," 1 Feb. 2018
The 100% waterproof, breathable, and solar-reflective tent walls will keep you comfortable no matter the conditions.

— mandy ferreira, Sunset, "10 Best Rooftop Tents," 22 Jan. 2018
All prices are reflective of time of publication and are updated periodically to account for changes.

— taylor palmer, The Verge, "Microsoft’s Spring sale, Amazon Device discounts and a Verge exclusive deal," 31 Mar. 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.