Reflexive

/rɪˈflɛksɪv/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A reflexive pronoun.
In English, 'myself', 'yourself', and 'themselves' are examples of reflexive pronouns.
A concept or condition that indicates a self-reference.
Reflexives in logic can be used to discuss statements that reference themselves.
adjective
Relating to a grammatical form that indicates that the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing.
In the sentence 'She washed herself', 'herself' is a reflexive pronoun.
Self-referential or involving a return to the subject.
The reflexive nature of the argument made it necessary to consider the speaker's own biases.

Etymology

Late Latin 'reflexivus', from 'reflexus', meaning 'bent back'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

reflexive thinking
Thinking that focuses on the individual’s own thoughts and feelings.
reflexive property
The property that any quantity is equal to itself.
reflexive action
An action that is performed in response to a stimulus without conscious thought.

Related Words

reflection
The return of light or sound waves from a surface.
reflex
An automatic response to a stimulus.
self
A person's essential being that distinguishes them from others.

Slang Meanings

A term used in psychology to describe self-reflective behaviors.
After a tough day, she practiced some reflexive journaling.