reflexive
|re-flex-ive|
C1
/rɪˈflɛksɪv/
self-referential
Etymology
Etymology Information
'reflexive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'reflexivus,' where 're-' meant 'back' and 'flectere' meant 'to bend.'
Historical Evolution
'reflexivus' transformed into the French word 'réflexif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reflexive' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'bending back,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'referring back to the subject.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
referring to a word or form that refers back to the subject of the clause.
In the sentence 'She taught herself,' 'herself' is a reflexive pronoun.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40