Reactive: meaning, definitions and examples

⚡️

Add to dictionary

reactive

[ rɪˈæktɪv ]

^{Context #1}

chemistry

Showing a response to a stimulus. Reacting with other substances.

Synonyms

responsive, responsive, sensitive

Examples of usage

The reactive nature of certain chemical compounds makes them dangerous to handle.
The reactive elements in the solution caused a rapid color change.

^{Context #2}

behavior

Reacting to a situation rather than planning ahead. Quick to respond.

Synonyms

impetuous, impulsive, spontaneous

Examples of usage

Her reactive approach to problem-solving led to immediate action, but sometimes lacked long-term strategy.
The CEO's reactive decision-making style caused instability within the company.

Translations

Translations of the word "reactive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reativo

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रियाशील

🇩🇪 reaktiv

🇮🇩 reaktif

🇺🇦 реактивний

🇵🇱 reaktywny

🇯🇵 反応性のある

🇫🇷 réactif

🇪🇸 reactivo

🇹🇷 reaktif

🇰🇷 반응하는

🇸🇦 تفاعلي

🇨🇿 reaktivní

🇸🇰 reaktívny

🇨🇳 反应的

🇸🇮 reaktiven

🇮🇸 viðbragðsfljótur

🇰🇿 реактивті

🇬🇪 რეაქტიული

🇦🇿 reaktiv

🇲🇽 reactivo

Word origin

The word 'reactive' comes from the verb 'react', which has its roots in Latin 're-' (back, again) and 'agere' (to do). The concept of reacting to stimuli or situations has been present in human behavior since ancient times, but the term 'reactive' gained popularity in the 20th century with the development of modern chemistry and psychology.