reflexively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reflexively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is performed automatically or instinctively, without conscious thought. Example: "She reflexively reached for her phone as soon as she heard the notification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When a terrestrial mammal loses consciousness, it breathes reflexively, but breathing is not a reflex in cetaceans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first improvement was the reflex bow, a bow that was curved forward, or reflexively, near its centre so that the string lay close against the grip before the bow was drawn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He adopts the traditional idea that the intellect is capable of turning reflexively toward itself, but he also attributes certain types of reflexivity to the sensory powers of the soul and argues that the will is a reflexive power.

SEP

I find myself glancing reflexively at the tip after I've taken a draw.

The Guardian

I used to think that at some point in the future, I would be able to catch sight of that book's spine on my shelf and not reflexively hear two generic men shouting at each other.

The Guardian - Sport

To appease NIMBYs (those who reflexively say "not in my backyard") some of the lines may have to be buried, at further great expense: perhaps 25 times the cost of stringing the cables on pylons.

The Economist

When asked about his management philosophy he reflexively turns to personal lessons learnt as a junior sales manager, or anecdotes from the field.

The Economist

Will they continue to oppose reflexively every measure of a Democratic administration, or have the courage to share responsibility for the painful decisions the times demand?

The Economist

Allies such as Israel and Turkey long followed American wishes reflexively because they felt imperilled and dependent on American largesse.

The Economist

Like a good mark, you reflexively point to welfare reform under Bill Clinton as a case study of a supposed left-right symbiosis, rather than, say, the cowardly and opportunistic Defence of Marriage Act.Jeffrey Spencer LondonSIR – The members of the "tea party" movement were bizarrely silent each year the deficit rose under Mr Bush.

The Economist

He says he "will never hand over the security of this country to any institution", and has said "we [cannot] let our national security agenda be defined by those who reflexively oppose any US military intervention".Matching fundsHis campaign says a Kerry administration would spend about the same as Mr Bush on defence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reflexively", ensure that the context clearly indicates the action is performed automatically and without conscious thought. This is especially important in scientific or technical writing where precision is key.

Common error

Avoid using "reflexively" simply as a synonym for "quickly" or "suddenly". "Reflexively" implies an involuntary action, so ensure that this meaning is accurately conveyed. Overuse can weaken your writing and obscure your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "reflexively" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating that the action is performed automatically, instinctively, or without conscious effort. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where it describes how someone acts in response to a stimulus or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflexively" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed automatically and without conscious thought. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various writing contexts. Its frequent occurrence in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific sources indicates its broad applicability and neutral register. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to use "reflexively" accurately, ensuring it reflects an involuntary action rather than simply implying speed or suddenness. Consider alternatives like "automatically" or "instinctively" for nuanced expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "reflexively" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

automatically

Indicates an action done without conscious thought or intention, very similar to reflexively but more general.

instinctively

Implies an action based on natural instinct or inherent behavior, focusing on the inherent nature of the response.

involuntarily

Highlights the lack of conscious control over the action, emphasizing the compelled nature of the response.

unthinkingly

Suggests a lack of consideration or thought before acting, emphasizing the absence of deliberation.

without thinking

Directly states the absence of thought in the action, underlining the immediacy and lack of premeditation.

by reflex

Emphasizes the physiological nature of the response, linking it to a direct, automatic reaction.

subconsciously

Indicates an action driven by underlying mental processes, highlighting the role of the subconscious mind.

habitually

Suggests an action done out of habit or routine, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the behavior.

as a matter of course

Implies an action that is naturally or logically expected in a given situation, highlighting the predictable nature of the response.

without conscious effort

Directly emphasizes the absence of deliberate effort in the action, underlining the ease and automaticity of the response.

FAQs

How is "reflexively" used in a sentence?

The adverb "reflexively" describes an action performed automatically, without conscious thought. For example, "He "reflexively reached" for the door handle when he heard the bell."

What words can I use instead of "reflexively"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "automatically", "instinctively", or "involuntarily" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone reacted "reflexively"?

Yes, it is correct. Reacting "reflexively" means responding automatically and without conscious deliberation. It accurately describes a spontaneous reaction.

What's the difference between "reflexively" and "deliberately"?

"Reflexively" implies an action done without thinking, while "deliberately" means the action was intentional and carefully considered. They are antonyms.