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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Far from the Tree
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
These 11 songs are carefully sequenced roughly in thirds—sinister goth early on, a few massive rock numbers in the middle, and a clutch of reflective ballads toward the end.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
The disappearance of reflective ice also exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more solar energy and can accelerate regional warming.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 12, 2026
The analysts became the latest to grow more cautious on Nike, reflective of persistent concerns about the progress of the company’s turnaround plans under CEO Elliott Hill.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026
Nicola is composed and reflective as she recalls when her son went missing.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2026
Because my dress, oh, my dress is entirely covered in reflective precious gems, red and yellow and white with bits of blue that accent the tips of the flame design.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
