An Encylopedia Britannica Company

October 01, 2021 Word of the Day

reflective /rɪˈflɛktɪv/ adjective
reflective
/rɪˈflɛktɪv/
adjective
Two engineers wearing reflective vests
Two engineers wearing reflective vests
Definition of REFLECTIVE

1 a [more reflective; most reflective] : causing light, sound, or heat to move away : reflecting light, sound, or heat

  • The material is highly reflective. [=it easily reflects light]

  • reflective surfaces

1 b [more reflective; most reflective] : relating to or caused by light that reflects off a surface

  • the reflective glare of the shiny metal

2 [more reflective; most reflective] : thinking carefully about something : THOUGHTFUL

  • She was in a very reflective mood.

3 — used to say that one thing shows what something else is like — + of

  • The school is reflective of society: the same problems that exist in society exist at the school.

reflectively adverb

  • He spoke softly and reflectively about his experiences.

More Words of the Day