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

Other Word Forms

• reactively adverb
• reactiveness noun
• antireactive adjective
• hyperreactive adjective
• nonreactive adjective
• overreactive adjective
• unreactive adjective
• reactivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactive¹

First recorded in 1705–15; react + -ive

Example Sentences

It may help them to craft a text, process a confusing message or source a second opinion, which can offer a moment of pause instead of being reactive, she says.

From BBC

“Cherry is effervescent. It’s always there waiting to come out. She’s so reactive. And I’m hypervigilant for the warning signs before I react. This was like a rage room.”

From Los Angeles Times

He noted that the vast majority of shootings stem from 911 calls, rather than “proactive policing,” which he said underscores “the reactive nature of these events.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Grateful and so appreciative for the incredible team at The Skin Associates and their fast, reactive work on removing this basal cell carcinoma. Thank you!”

From Salon

In a post on Instagram on Saturday, Ramsay wrote he was "grateful and so appreciative" to his medical team for their "fast reactive work".

From BBC

Related Words

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