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 of reflective

• thoughtful
• melancholy
• contemplative

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

The reflective detailing ensures visibility on post-sunset travels, while the high-low hem adds a striking edge compared to the other standard jackets in your closet. —Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2025

Using Stainless Polish On Your Fridge On the one hand, using stainless polish to clean a stainless steel fridge leaves a bright, attractive, reflective finish—but there's a downside. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Dec. 2025

The mood was buoyant but reflective, a mix of disbelief, gratitude, nerves and anticipation. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025

Lincoln mayor responds Andreatta has taken to social media to claim that her words in the video were taken out of context, saying that her comments related to Black pilots and King were reflective of Kirk’s views and not her own. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 16 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reflective

• self-reflective

Rhymes for reflective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective

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