reflexive

[ ri-flek-siv ]

adjective

1. Grammar.
   1. (of a verb) taking a subject and object with identical referents, as shave in I shave myself.
   2. (of a pronoun) used as an object to refer to the subject of a verb, as myself in I shave myself.
2. reflex; responsive.
3. able to reflect; reflective.
4. Mathematics.
   1. noting a relation in which each element is in relation to itself, as the relation “less than or equal to.” Compare antireflexive.
   2. (of a vector space) having the property that the dual space of the dual space of the given vector space equals the given vector space.

noun

1. Grammar. a reflexive verb or pronoun.

reflexive

/ rɪˈflɛksɪv; ˌriːflɛkˈsɪvɪtɪ /

adjective

1. denoting a class of pronouns that refer back to the subject of a sentence or clause. Thus, in the sentence that man thinks a great deal of himself , the pronoun himself is reflexive
2. denoting a verb used transitively with the reflexive pronoun as its direct object, as the French se lever "to get up" (literally "to raise oneself") or English to dress oneself
3. physiol of or relating to a reflex
4. logic maths (of a relation) holding between any member of its domain and itself Compare irreflexive nonreflexive

   "… is a member of the same family as …" is reflexive

noun

1. a reflexive pronoun or verb

reflexive

/ rĭ-flĕk′sĭv /

1. Of or relating to a mathematical or logical relation such that, for any given element, that element has the given relation to itself. Equality in mathematics is a reflexive relation, since a = a for all a, whereas the relation of being 'less than' is not, since it is not true that a

Derived Forms

• reˈflexiveness, noun
• reˈflexively, adverb

Other Words From

• re·flexive·ly adverb
• re·flexive·ness re·flex·iv·i·ty [ree-flek-, siv, -i-tee], noun
• semi·re·flexive adjective
• semi·re·flexive·ly adverb
• semi·re·flexive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflexive¹

First recorded in 1580–90, reflexive is from the Medieval Latin word reflexīvus turned back, reflected. See reflex, -ive

Example Sentences

He “did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and ... he may have fallen in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness,” officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Those seeking reflexive celebration or condemnation should look elsewhere,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

He “did not adopt a reflexive posture to protect himself and ... he may have fallen in a state of semi- or total unconsciousness,” officials said last month.

From Los Angeles Times

He will reflexively respond to any perceived attack or challenge.

From Salon

Imagine if Rogan decided to pivot and he began to provide his vast audience of men exposure to more progressive and feminist guests — including men who support feminism and don’t reflexively lash out against it.

From Salon

Related Words

• compulsory
• forced
• spontaneous
• uncontrolled
• unintentional