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
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
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.
"British racing is at its best when it is open, welcoming and reflective of the society around us."
From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026
He has become “more reflective about the stupidity of some of the idol factories I used to create in my head around work projects.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026
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 • Mar. 5, 2026
"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 • Mar. 2, 2026
The reflective spokes of a bicycle wheel glint in the headlights.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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.
