reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv How to pronounce reflective (audio)
1
: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2
3
: of, relating to, or caused by reflection
reflective glare
4
5
: reflecting something : indicative
how fashion is reflective of societyGlenda 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.

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By fostering an internal environment where employees are encouraged to question assumptions, share expertise, and engage in reflective thinking, The Rise Group cultivates the intellectual space needed to pursue meaningful insights. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 Oct. 2025 The soft, communal video mirrors its reflective mood, featuring both shots of MoRuf, SZA, and friends like fellow artist Topaz Jones as adults, and vignettes of young children with their style. Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 The project fits FilmSharks’ strategy of developing bold, socially reflective IPs with crossover potential. Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 15 Oct. 2025 The article should be between 300 and 500 words, and the tone should be accessible, informative, and reflective. JSTOR Daily, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reflective

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reflective was in 1627

Cite this Entry

“Reflective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflective. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

reflective

adjective
re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv How to pronounce reflective (audio)
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 How to pronounce reflective (audio)
1
: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves
2
: of, relating to, or caused by reflection
reflective glare of the snow

More from Merriam-Webster on reflective

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