The meaning of REFLECTIVE is capable of reflecting light, images, or sound waves. How to use reflective in a sentence. Did you know?

REFLECTIVE definition: 1. A reflective surface sends back most of the light that shines on it and can therefore be seen…. Learn more.

To reflect is to bounce back an image, light, or sound. A reflective surface is one that can bounce back light — like the reflective sun shade that you put over the windshield of your car. It …

Reflective definition: that reflects; reflecting.. See examples of REFLECTIVE used in a sentence.

If you are reflective, you are thinking deeply about something. I walked on in a reflective mood to the car. Mike is a quiet, reflective man. 'The first part of her life hasn't been all that good,' he …

reflective of something typical of a particular situation or thing; showing the state or nature of something. His abilities are not reflective of the team as a whole. Everything you do or say is …

1. a. Of, relating to, produced by, or resulting from reflection. b. Capable of or producing reflection: a reflective surface. 2. Characterized by or given to serious thinking or contemplation; …

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word reflective, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025 re•flec•tive /rɪˈflɛktɪv/ adj. thinking or tending to think about something in a careful way: He fell into a …

Reflective definition: Characterized by or given to serious thinking or contemplation; thoughtful.