reflective
rih-FLEHK-tihv
Reflective (adj) means Able to bounce back light; shiny in a way that reflects. Example: “Cyclists wear reflective vests to be seen at night.”
adj
1
Able to bounce back light; shiny in a way that reflects.
"Cyclists wear reflective vests to be seen at night."
"The road sign is reflective, so it glows in car headlights."
"She stuck reflective tape on her child's school bag."
2
Thoughtful; inclined to think deeply, especially about the past.
"She was in a reflective mood after the funeral."
"He gave a reflective sigh and thought about his school days."
"The old sailor grew reflective as he watched the sun go down."
How to use reflective
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "shiny and light-bouncing" or "deep in thought."
Common pairings
reflective vest
reflective mood
reflective surface
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Word forms
- Plural
- reflectives
- Comparative
- more reflective
- Superlative
- most reflective
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cyclists wear _____ vests to be seen at night.
Etymology
From reflect plus the adjective-forming suffix -ive.
Synonyms
View more →
shiny
glossy
mirror-like
introspective
contemplative
pensive
musing
meditative
brooding
pondering
ruminative
broody
Antonyms
nonreflective
Related words
Rhymes for reflective
See all rhymes for reflective →Frequently asked questions
What does “reflective” mean?
The word “reflective” means able to bounce back light; shiny in a way that reflects. In plain terms, either "shiny and light-bouncing" or "deep in thought.".
How do you pronounce “reflective”?
“Reflective” is pronounced rih-FLEHK-tihv (/ɹɪˈflɛktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “reflective” in a sentence?
Here is “reflective” used in a sentence: “Cyclists wear reflective vests to be seen at night.”
What part of speech is “reflective”?
“Reflective” is an adjective.
Is “reflective” a common word?
“Reflective” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reflective” have?
“Reflective” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to bounce back light; shiny in a way that reflects.
What is the difference between reflective and reflexive?
Reflective describes something that either bounces back light, like a reflective jacket, or someone who is thoughtful and inclined to think deeply, especially about the past. Reflexive is a different word used mainly in grammar and psychology, referring to actions done automatically or to pronouns like "myself" that reflect back on the subject. The two words are not interchangeable despite their similar spelling.
When should you use reflective instead of shiny?
Use reflective when describing a surface's specific ability to bounce back light in a directed way, such as reflective tape or reflective paint used for safety. Shiny is a more general term for something that gleams or has a glossy appearance, without necessarily reflecting light back clearly. Reflective is the more precise choice in technical or safety contexts.
What does it mean to be in a reflective mood?
Being in a reflective mood means being inclined to think deeply and quietly, often reviewing past events, decisions, or experiences. It suggests a calm, introspective state rather than an active or talkative one.
