reflective

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "reflective" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when wanting to describe something or someone that is thoughtful, introspective, and/or analyzes their actions and decisions. For example, "She is a reflective leader who takes the time to consider all the possible outcomes before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It nonchalantly proposed dealing with the results by dumping vast quantities of reflective particles into the oceans, to increase the amount of sunlight reflected into space.That school of thinking has since fallen out of fashion.

The Economist

It is also reflective of a dark cultural truth where, to a lot of schoolchildren, particularly in America, the high school has become a genuinely dangerous place to be.

The Guardian - Film

He said in the past that his opposition to same-sex marriage was reflective of his electorate's views.

The Guardian

"Clearly the war and the fact Germany had to reconstruct itself spiritually as well as physically means it is a much more reflective society than ours.

The Guardian - Arts

He suggests that it might be possible to hide 53,000 sq m of luxury development with a trick of the light, noting that "the tower's reflective skin and slender profile camouflage with the landscape, abstracting and displacing the valley and sky".

The Guardian - Arts

"My advice is to my party not to panic, to be calm and to be reflective.

The Guardian

Jonathan Freedland said: "The new Journal section will strengthen the heart of the Guardian newspaper, providing a new home for our most reflective journalism.

The Guardian

Peggy McIntosh described one of the facets of white privilege as being able to dress and behave however she wanted without her individual conduct being seen as reflective of her entire race.

The Guardian - Opinion

This small classroom learning on the outskirts of Bangalore is reflective of the larger economic processes occurring in the city.

The Guardian

"If we can be a party of 400,000 people genuinely engaged, this will make us more reflective of the country we seek to govern.

The Guardian

But in this, my final interview with Achao, retired nurse and former local councillor turned pharmacist and social worker, she sounds less critical than usual and more reflective, measured and appreciative of the project.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, favor "reflective" when you want to underline a quality of being deeply thoughtful, especially about past events or choices.

Common error

Avoid using "reflective" when you mean "reflexive". "Reflective" refers to thoughtful consideration, while "reflexive" describes an automatic, involuntary response. For example, saying "His reaction was reflective" implies he thought about it, not that it was an immediate response.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "reflective" primarily functions to describe something that reflects light or other energy, or to characterize someone who is thoughtful and introspective. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples spanning various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Travel

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "reflective" serves a dual purpose: describing surfaces that bounce back light or energy and characterizing individuals inclined towards deep thought. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically sound and frequently observed across diverse domains, from News & Media and the Arts to more formal Business and Science contexts. While synonyms such as "thoughtful" and "introspective" exist, it's crucial to differentiate "reflective" from "reflexive" to avoid miscommunication. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively utilize "reflective" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoughtful

Focuses on the act of thinking deeply and carefully.

introspective

Emphasizes examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

contemplative

Highlights a state of prolonged thought or meditation.

meditative

Suggests a focus on achieving a state of mental clarity.

pensive

Implies a deep and often melancholic thoughtfulness.

pondering

Focuses on weighing or considering something carefully.

ruminative

Suggests dwelling on thoughts, often negatively.

brooding

Implies a somber or preoccupied thoughtfulness.

mirroring

Highlights the act of reflecting or resembling something else.

redirecting

Emphasizes the action of turning something back to its source or a new direction.

FAQs

How can I use "reflective" in a sentence?

You can use "reflective" to describe someone who is thoughtful, such as, "She is a "reflective" person who always considers the consequences of her actions." It can also describe a surface that reflects light, like, "The building has a "reflective" surface".

What are some synonyms for "reflective" when describing a person?

When describing a person, you can use synonyms like "thoughtful", "introspective", or "contemplative" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone is being "reflective"?

Yes, it's correct. "Reflective" is an adjective that can describe a person's state of mind or behavior. For instance, "He was in a "reflective" mood after the meeting".

What's the difference between "reflective" and "reflexive"?

"Reflective" refers to being thoughtful or mirroring something, while "reflexive" pertains to an automatic response or grammatical constructions where the subject and object are the same. Be careful not to confuse these words. If you're considering oneself, alternatives would be to consider an "introspective" approach.