Meaning & Definition of word "Reflexive"

Reflexive

/rɪˈflɛksɪv/

noun:

  • 1. A reflexive pronoun.
    • Example: In English, 'myself', 'yourself', and 'themselves' are examples of reflexive pronouns.
  • 2. A concept or condition that indicates a self-reference.
    • Example: Reflexives in logic can be used to discuss statements that reference themselves.

adjective:

  • 1. Relating to a grammatical form that indicates that the subject and the object of a verb are the same person or thing.
    • Example: In the sentence 'She washed herself', 'herself' is a reflexive pronoun.
  • 2. Self-referential or involving a return to the subject.
    • Example: 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 of reflexive

Meaning: A term used in psychology to describe self-reflective behaviors.

Example Sentence: After a tough day, she practiced some reflexive journaling.