reflexive
/ɹɪˈflɛksɪv/ adjective, noun
Forms reflexives
- adjective (grammar) Referring back to the subject, or having an object equal to the subject.
- adjective (mathematics) Of a relation R on a set S, such that xRx for all members x of S (that is, the relation holds between any element of the set and itself). “"Equals" is a reflexive relation, as it holds for all possible x; "not less" is non-reflexive because it is true only for some x and y, "unequal" is irreflexive, as it never holds between x and itself.”
- adjective Of or resulting from a reflex. “The electric shock elicited an automatic and reflexive response from him.”
- adjective (figurative) Producing immediate response, spontaneous. “a reflexive dislike”
- adjective (politics) Producing or provoking a reciprocal response.
- adjective Synonym of reflective.
- noun (grammar) A reflexive pronoun.
- noun (grammar) A reflexive verb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
contemplative considered irreflexive non-reflexive nonreflexive
Etymology
From Medieval Latin reflexīvus, from Latin reflexus, equivalent to reflex + -ive.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Bending or turned backward; reflective; having respect to something past.
- adjective Implying censure. [Obs.] "What man does not resent an ugly reflexive word" South.
- adverb In a reflex manner; reflectively.
Etymology [Cf. F. réflexif.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “reflexive”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details