Reflective: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when someone is carefully thinking about past experiences or situations.

• After the meeting, she was reflective, considering what went wrong and how to improve

Best used to describe someone who is considering others' feelings and showing care, as well as someone engaged in deep thought.

• She was very thoughtful, always remembering to check in on her friends during tough times

Used when someone is engaged in deep thought, often about philosophical or existential matters.

• During his walks in the park, John often adopted a contemplative mood, pondering the meaning of life

Implies a sense of quiet, often wistful or slightly sad thoughtfulness.

• He sat by the window with a pensive expression, thinking about his childhood

Appropriate for describing someone who is calm and deeply focused on a particular thought or activity, usually related to relaxation or spiritual practices.

• Her daily routine included a meditative hour of yoga and breathing exercises

Use in situations where the main property is the ability to reflect light or images, often implying thoughtfulness or the ability to mirror. It can also mean thoughtful and meditative when describing a person or mood.

• The metal surface was highly reflective, almost like a mirror.
• Her reflective mood indicated she had a lot on her mind.

A more generic term for something that reflects light well or has a bright surface, suitable for everyday objects and more casual descriptions.

• The car had a shiny new paint job.
• His shoes were so shiny you could see your reflection in them.

Appropriate for describing surfaces that are smooth and shiny, often used for polished or finished looks, particularly in magazines, photos, and certain types of paint.

• The magazine's glossy cover made the photos look incredibly vibrant.
• She applied a glossy finish to the wooden table.

Best used for describing objects that have a soft glow or brilliance, often used for hair, fabric, and jewels. It implies a natural, healthy shine.

• Her lustrous hair shone in the sunlight.
• The pearls had a beautiful, lustrous quality.