reflective

[ ri-flek-tiv ]

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

/ rɪˈflɛktɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by quiet thought or contemplation
2. capable of reflecting

   a reflective surface

3. produced by reflection

Derived Forms

• reˈflectively, adverb

Other Words From

• re·flective·ly adverb
• re·flective·ness re·flec·tiv·i·ty [ree-flek-, tiv, -i-tee], noun
• anti·re·flective adjective
• anti·re·flective·ly adverb
• anti·re·flective·ness noun
• nonre·flective adjective
• nonre·flective·ly adverb
• nonre·flective·ness noun
• over·re·flective adjective
• over·re·flective·ly adverb
• over·re·flective·ness noun
• self-re·flective adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflective¹

First recorded in 1620–30; reflect + -ive

Synonym Study

See pensive.

Example Sentences

It’s also possible that so-called cool pavements—which use reflective materials to avoid absorbing heat—could reduce the amount of pollutants that form from asphalt.

From Popular-Science

That one of the biggest advertisers in Anheuser-Busch InBev is taking a keen interest in gaming is reflective of a broader view.

From Digiday

Enjoy a lightweight cotton material and a silver reflective strip, perfect for late night outdoor exercise.

From Popular-Science

Though they come out much more frequently than the monthly jobs report, weekly claims aren’t necessarily reflective of job losses as they’re happening.

From FiveThirtyEight

To record the snakes’ twists and turns, Yeaton, then at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, and colleagues stuck reflective tape on the snakes’ backs.

From Science News For Students

When he does, here is a gentleness in his voice, a reflective and lovely quality that no movie he has been in has ever captured.

From The Daily Beast

After Republicans took control of the Senate and made gains in the House, Democrats were in a somber, reflective mood.

From The Daily Beast

The 67-year-old is in a reflective mood, having effortlessly passed from fashion to fashion icon.

From The Daily Beast

The New York Historical Society plans to seal a new time capsule this week that is more reflective of our current pop culture.

From The Daily Beast

Many alt cert programs are much less reflective than TFA when it comes to improving their recruitment and training programs.

From The Daily Beast

He did not finish his sentence, but threw back his head with a sort of reflective laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

Am feeling a bit reflective, after all, thinking over what I have done; it has not been very much.

From Project Gutenberg

The cousin was very much older than Alice, and both she and her mother were of a placid, reflective type.

From Project Gutenberg

"I never knew two brothers who were equal," said Carvel, in reflective tones.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not sing for Aristotle or for Aristarchus, or for modern minute and reflective inquirers, but for warriors and ladies.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contemplative
• deliberate
• meditative
• studious