reflective
Americanadjective
-
that reflects; reflecting.
-
of or relating to reflection.
-
cast by reflection.
-
given to, marked by, or concerned with meditation or deliberation.
a reflective person.
- Synonyms:
- thoughtful, contemplative
adjective
-
characterized by quiet thought or contemplation
-
capable of reflecting
a reflective surface
-
produced by reflection
Synonym Usage
See pensive.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reflective
Explanation
Reflective is an adjective that can describe a person who thinks things through, or a surface that reflects light or sound, like the reflective lettering on a stop sign. To reflect is to bounce back an image, light, or sound. A reflective surface is one that can bounce back light — like the reflective sun shade that you put over the windshield of your car. It bounces the sun's rays away, helping the interior cool. A reflective person is a little different — he or she might have great insight due to taking the time to time carefully about things.
Vocabulary lists containing reflective
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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Far from the Tree
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The analysts became the latest to grow more cautious on Nike, reflective of persistent concerns about the progress of the company’s turnaround plans under CEO Elliott Hill.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
Today, they’re manufactured from aluminum with reflective sheeting.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
Analysts have seen the jump in yields as reflective of several dynamics, including high oil prices, a surge in costly artificial intelligence investment and a flood of US government issuance because of the deficit.
From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026
After the longest wait between albums of his career, “Ride Lonesome” is his third record in this reflective vein, which means it’ll be a stark contrast to his electro-streaked 2019 LP, “Hyperspace.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
The dark, reflective surface was a crucial part of the concept.
From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
