Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

reflective

American  
[ri-flek-tiv] / rɪˈflɛk tɪv /

adjective

  1. that reflects; reflecting.

  2. of or relating to reflection.

  3. cast by reflection.

  4. given to, marked by, or concerned with meditation or deliberation.

    a reflective person.

    Synonyms:
    thoughtful, contemplative

reflective British  
/ rɪˈflɛktɪv /

adjective

  1. characterized by quiet thought or contemplation

  2. capable of reflecting

    a reflective surface

  3. produced by reflection

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See pensive.

Other Word Forms

  • antireflective adjective
  • antireflectively adverb
  • antireflectiveness noun
  • nonreflective adjective
  • nonreflectively adverb
  • nonreflectiveness noun
  • overreflective adjective
  • overreflectively adverb
  • overreflectiveness noun
  • reflectively adverb
  • reflectiveness noun
  • reflectivity noun
  • self-reflective adjective

Etymology

Origin of reflective

First recorded in 1620–30; reflect + -ive

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.

But Bethell's 105 from 48 balls against India, which kept England's attempt at a record chase going right to the final over, was more reflective of the modern world.

From BBC

He’s a cute little fella, decked out in his reflective vest, hard hat and work boots, with his big eyes and a fixed grin.

From Los Angeles Times

"We call on future work to create ethical, educational and legal standards for LLM counselors -- standards that are reflective of the quality and rigor of care required for human-facilitated psychotherapy."

From Science Daily

"If you know the relationships that we have... with the women's team and how we've supported them, it's certainly not reflective of how we feel," said McAvoy, a defenseman for the Boston Bruins.

From Barron's

The Witch’s Cottage, she says, is reflective of viewing the world through a magical lens.

From Los Angeles Times