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

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reflective British  

/ rɪˈflɛktɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by quiet thought or contemplation

2. capable of reflecting

   a reflective surface

3. produced by reflection

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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

Through an artistic probing of form, perhaps reflective of his ancestors’ Talmudic dialectic, he questioned traditional pieties and challenged an existing order.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The key is to us all to remain critically reflective of the design of these toys, and to pay much attention to how they influence children's everyday lives," he said.

From BBC

“This hotel is independently owned and operated, and the actions referenced are not reflective of Hilton values,” the statement said.

From The Wall Street Journal

What might have looked like a shared curriculum was really three different educational projects reflective of three institutions with different conceptions of themselves—which is to say, three different missions.

From The Wall Street Journal

What initially looked like a reflective exoplanet turned out to be something far more dramatic.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• contemplative
• deliberate
• meditative
• studious