Reflective Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reflective

[rɪˈflɛktɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

self-awareness

Relating to or characterized by deep thought; thoughtful. Showing serious thought or consideration.

Synonyms

contemplative, meditative, pensive, thoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflective	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
thoughtful	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
contemplative	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
pensive	Implies a sense of quiet, often wistful or slightly sad thoughtfulness. He sat by the window with a pensive expression, thinking about his childhood
meditative	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

Examples of usage

She is a reflective person who always thinks deeply before making a decision.
His reflective nature allows him to see things from different perspectives.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

light

Throwing back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.

Synonyms

glossy, lustrous, shiny.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflective	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.
shiny	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.
glossy	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.
lustrous	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.

Examples of usage

The reflective surface of the mirror bounced the light around the room.
The cat's eyes were reflective in the dark.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'reflective'

The word 'reflective' comes from the Latin word 'reflectere', which means 'to bend back'. It originally referred to the act of bending or throwing back light, heat, or sound. Over time, the meaning has expanded to include the concept of deep thought and self-awareness. The use of 'reflective' to describe someone who thinks deeply dates back to the 17th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,215 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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