reflective
Americanadjective
-
that reflects; reflecting.
-
of or relating to reflection.
-
cast by reflection.
-
given to, marked by, or concerned with meditation or deliberation.
a reflective person.
- Synonyms:
- thoughtful, contemplative
adjective
-
characterized by quiet thought or contemplation
-
capable of reflecting
a reflective surface
-
produced by reflection
Synonym Usage
See pensive.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reflective
Explanation
Reflective is an adjective that can describe a person who thinks things through, or a surface that reflects light or sound, like the reflective lettering on a stop sign. To reflect is to bounce back an image, light, or sound. A reflective surface is one that can bounce back light — like the reflective sun shade that you put over the windshield of your car. It bounces the sun's rays away, helping the interior cool. A reflective person is a little different — he or she might have great insight due to taking the time to time carefully about things.
Vocabulary lists containing reflective
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
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Far from the Tree
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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.
Case in point: the featherweight quilted Celestia jacket with a highly reflective shell that, according to the designer, “comes alive with motion.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
“The U.S. Open is reflective of the diverse melting pot that is New York City when it comes to style,” said Jessica Schiffer, who writes the tennis newsletter “Hard Court.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
The Fed prefers to focus on core inflation to guide its decisions because it’s more truly reflective of underlying inflation trends in the economy.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
But even that show was more reflective of current cultural problems than prescient, not to mention disconcertingly accurate, about the dreadful directions we were heading.
From Salon • May 5, 2026
To look over my shoulder and see the Stop sign with huge reflective letters, pleading with Hannah.
From "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
