reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv 

1

: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves

2

: marked by reflection : thoughtful, deliberative

3

: of, relating to, or caused by reflection

reflective glare

4

: reflexive sense 3

5

: reflecting something : indicative

how fashion is reflective of society

—Glenda Bailey

reflectively adverb

reflectiveness noun

Did you know?

Reflective people are people who reflect on things--that is, look back at things that have been done or said in order to think calmly and quietly about them. Most reflective people would agree with Socrates that (as he told the jury that would soon sentence him to death) "The unexamined life is not worth living". Reflective people tend to be a bit philosophical and intellectual. But almost everyone has reflective moods; gazing into a fireplace or a campfire seems to do it to almost everyone.

Synonyms

• broody
• cogitative
• contemplative
• meditative
• melancholy
• musing
• pensive
• ruminant
• ruminative
• thoughtful

Examples of reflective in a Sentence

the reflective glare of the shiny metal

She was in a very reflective mood.

Recent Examples on the Web

Underwood recently wore a two-piece metallic gown from Rafik Zaki with a reflective silver bodice and a high-low silver skirt for the Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala 2024. —Ada Tseng, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025

What could have been a drab ten-story block surrounded by pavement instead became a low, deep, black-glass blob—reflective in the day, glowing at night—that filled the whole lot, following the curves of medieval streets. —Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025

The systems failed to work altogether with the reflective stripes added to either the black or white alternatives. —Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

The planet is also extremely reflective because the sun's light bounces off the clouds. —Ailsa Harvey, Space.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1627, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reflective

• self-reflective

Kids Definition

reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv 

1

: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves

2

: marked by reflection : thoughtful

3

: of, relating to, or caused by reflection

reflectively adverb

reflectiveness noun

reflectivity

ˌrē-ˌflek-ˈtiv-ət-ē

ri-

noun

Medical Definition

reflective

adjective

re·​flec·​tive ri-ˈflek-tiv 

1

: capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves

2

: of, relating to, or caused by reflection

reflective glare of the snow