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Synonyms

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

reflective British  
/ rɪˈflɛktɪv /

adjective

  1. characterized by quiet thought or contemplation

  2. capable of reflecting

    a reflective surface

  3. produced by reflection

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They can be funny, sad, heartwarming, reflective, thought-provoking or surprising.

From Los Angeles Times

Now it’s Killer Mike, layered, reflective and musically expansive.

From The Wall Street Journal

An optical cavity works by trapping light between two or more reflective surfaces, causing it to bounce back and forth.

From Science Daily

Even as we look forward to next year’s edition in Boulder, Colo., the Sundance Film Festival put us in a reflective mood.

From Los Angeles Times

The reflective Mirror Tech building remained far in the distance.

From Literature