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

Here, you try to be as proactive as possible, but often it’s reactive.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified how a specific form of cell death linked to the buildup of highly reactive molecules can slow the growth of lung tumors.

Read more on Science Daily

Officials insist the situation is under control, but critics accuse the junta of being reactive, rather than proactive.

Read more on BBC

This process is fueled by the steady flow of reactive iron entering the oceans from rivers and melting glaciers.

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"You have other countries that are reactive, they accept an incident. In the Netherlands, we can't accept it because the consequences are too high."

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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