Reactively: meaning, definitions and examples

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reactively

 

[ riˈæktɪvli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

in a responsive or reactive manner

Reactively is an adverb that describes the way something is done in response to a stimulus or situation. It indicates a reaction that is triggered by an external factor, rather than being proactive. When someone behaves reactively, they are responding to events rather than initiating them.

Synonyms

defensively, passively, responsively

Examples of usage

  • They always act reactively instead of proactively.
  • She tends to respond reactively to criticism rather than reflecting on it.
  • The company handled the crisis reactively, waiting for problems to arise before taking action.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that is influenced by past experiences or emotions

Reactively can also describe a behavior that is influenced by past experiences or emotions. In this sense, it refers to reacting based on previous situations rather than the current one. It may involve emotional responses or biases that affect decision-making.

Synonyms

emotionally, irrationally, subjectively

Examples of usage

  • He always approaches new challenges reactively, based on past failures.
  • The decision was made reactively, without considering the present circumstances.
  • Her reactively defensive attitude stems from childhood experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "reactively" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reativamente

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रियाशील रूप से

🇩🇪 reaktiv

🇮🇩 secara reaktif

🇺🇦 реактивно

🇵🇱 reaktywnie

🇯🇵 反応的に

🇫🇷 réactivement

🇪🇸 reactivamente

🇹🇷 reaktif olarak

🇰🇷 반응적으로

🇸🇦 بشكل تفاعلي

🇨🇿 reaktivně

🇸🇰 reaktívne

🇨🇳 反应性地

🇸🇮 reaktivno

🇮🇸 viðbragðslega

🇰🇿 реактивті түрде

🇬🇪 რეაქტიულად

🇦🇿 reaktiv olaraq

🇲🇽 reactivamente

Word origin

The word 'reactively' is derived from the verb 'react,' which comes from the Latin word 're-' (again) and 'act.' The concept of reacting to stimuli is fundamental to human behavior and survival. In modern usage, 'reactively' is commonly used in psychology, business, and technology to describe responses to external influences or triggers.

See also: nonreactive, reactance, reactant, reaction, reactions, reactive, reactivity, unreactive, unreactiveness.