reactive

[ ree-ak-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to react.
2. pertaining to or characterized by reaction.
3. Electricity. pertaining to or characterized by reactance.

reactive

/ rɪˈæktɪv; ˌriːækˈtɪvɪtɪ /

adjective

1. readily partaking in chemical reactions

   sodium is a reactive metal

   free radicals are very reactive

2. of, concerned with, or having a reactance
3. responsive to stimulus
4. (of mental illnesses) precipitated by an external cause

   reactive depression

Derived Forms

• reactivity, noun
• reˈactively, adverb

Other Words From

• re·active·ly adverb
• re·active·ness noun
• anti·re·active adjective
• hyper·re·active adjective
• nonre·active adjective
• over·re·active adjective
• unre·active adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactive¹

First recorded in 1705–15; react + -ive

Example Sentences

These are reactive, not proactive, stances, and they do little to offer substantive solutions.

From The Daily Beast

Oxygen is an extremely reactive chemical, corroding metals, rusting iron, and fueling fires.

From The Daily Beast

A big part of this, Zabin says, is teaching men to sit with uncomfortable feelings without becoming reactive.

From The Daily Beast

A month ago there was a narrow reactive approach to ISIS, now there is an evolving, offensive mission.

From The Daily Beast

The reality is something less proactive than reactive, not an initiative but a condition—a matter of identity.

From The Daily Beast

Succedaneum for Chrysarobin; very active reducer or "reactive."

From Project Gutenberg

The bandolero was languishing in the third reactive stage of malignant cholera.

From Project Gutenberg

Must be maneuverable by operators whose reactive time is not fast, but whose judgment and foresight are trustworthy.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the great advantages of this arrangement will be in its reactive effect on the mother.

From Project Gutenberg

These compounds are insoluble in ether, are non-inflammable and exceedingly reactive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conscious
• delicate
• emotional
• hypersensitive
• keen
• nervous
• perceptive
• precise
• receptive
• responsive
• susceptible
• tense
• touchy
• tricky
• unstable