Reflexive: meaning, definitions and examples

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reflexive

 

[ rɪˈflɛksɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in grammar

Reflexive is used to describe a verb or pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is performing the action on itself.

Synonyms

reflective, self-referential

Examples of usage

  • He hurt himself while playing football.
  • She taught herself how to play the piano.
  • They blame themselves for the mistake.

Translations

Translations of the word "reflexive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reflexivo

🇮🇳 प्रतिबिंबित

🇩🇪 reflexiv

🇮🇩 refleksif

🇺🇦 рефлексивний

🇵🇱 zwrotny

🇯🇵 反射的

🇫🇷 réfléchi

🇪🇸 reflexivo

🇹🇷 dönüşlü

🇰🇷 반사적인

🇸🇦 انعكاسي

🇨🇿 reflexivní

🇸🇰 reflexívny

🇨🇳 反身的

🇸🇮 refleksiven

🇮🇸 afturbeygður

🇰🇿 рефлексивті

🇬🇪 რეფლექსური

🇦🇿 refleksiv

🇲🇽 reflexivo

Etymology

The word 'reflexive' originated from the Latin word 'reflectere', meaning 'to bend back'. In the context of grammar, the term reflexive was first used in the 16th century to describe verbs and pronouns that refer back to the subject of the sentence. Over time, it has become an essential concept in understanding sentence structures and relationships between subjects and actions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,828, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.