Langimage
English

reflective

|re-flec-tive|

B2

/rɪˈflɛktɪv/

(reflect)

bounce back or think deeply

Base Form3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleAdjectiveAdverb
reflectreflectsreflectedreflectedreflectingreflectivereflectively
Etymology
Etymology Information

'reflective' originates from the Latin word 'reflectere,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'flectere' meant 'to bend.'

Historical Evolution

'reflectere' transformed into the Old French word 'reflectif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reflective.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to bend back,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'thoughtful' and 'capable of reflecting light.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

relating to or characterized by deep thought; thoughtful.

She was in a reflective mood after the meeting.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

capable of reflecting light or other radiation.

The reflective surface of the mirror was spotless.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41