reflective

adjective

re·flec·tive | \ ri-ˈflek-tiv

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 sense 3

5 : reflecting something : indicative how fashion is reflective of society— Glenda Bailey

Other Words from reflective Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about reflective

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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

Older snow, explains Mottram, loses the sharp snowflake edges and fluffy texture that help reflect away the light, instead congealing in a more solid, less-reflective mass that soaks up the sun’s heat. — Alejandra Borunda, National Geographic, "A heat wave is turning Greenland’s ice to slush. That's bad news.," 1 Aug. 2019 The Manson murders seem like an odd, even impossible entry point for an artist in 2019 to craft a personal and self-reflective film about aging and the inevitability of creative obsolescence. — Barbara Vandenburgh, azcentral, "Review: Quentin Tarantino gets personal in bittersweet ‘Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood’," 24 July 2019 Bradley said the program arrives at a time when Michigan is experiencing a shortage of tree trimmers that’s reflective of a national trend. — Angie Jackson, Detroit Free Press, "New program trains Michigan inmates for tree-trimming jobs after prison," 10 July 2019 Dixon's test consisted only of the framework, not the polycarbonate laminated screen that is meant to have an anti-reflective coating on the screen's interior, anti-fogging device and possible tear-offs. — Robby General, Indianapolis Star, "Scott Dixon tests IndyCar's Aeroscreen prototype in simulator," 2 July 2019 For instance, the number is not reflective of the amount of correctional officers per inmate. — Tyler Kendall, CBS News, "Why can't prisons staff their facilities? One state might have a solution," 31 Aug. 2019 Their place in pot three is arguably not reflective of their actual quality. — SI.com, "Liverpool's Best & Worst Case Scenarios Ahead of 2019/20 Champions League Group Stage Draw," 28 Aug. 2019 The results for Fantasy are not reflective of our robust standards and dedicated commitment to our guests’ health and safety. — Leada Gore | Lgore@al.com, al, "Carnival Fantasy, based in Mobile, fails health inspection; flies, improper sneeze guards cited," 9 Aug. 2019 Kukawka also recommends keeping feeders and birdbaths away from windows and other reflective surfaces. — cleveland.com, "Cleveland Metroparks partner with Ohio Lights Out to promote bird-friendly buildings," 2 Sep. 2019

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.