What does reflexive mean?
Reflexive most commonly describes a grammatical construction in which an action is directed back to the subject. In a reflexive clause, the object of the verb is a reflexive pronoun, such as “himself” in “He cut himself,” and the pronoun refers to the subject. The term also describes an automatic response to a stimulus, such as withdrawing your hand from a hot surface or blinking in response to bright light. Such responses are involuntary or happen before deliberate thought. In physics, a reflexive surface or material redirects incoming radiation, including light, back toward its source. The word is therefore associated with turning or referring something back, whether the context is grammar, physiology, or optics. It is particularly useful for distinguishing deliberate action from an immediate response mediated by the nervous system.
In grammar, relating to or consisting of a pronoun or construction whose reference returns to the subject of the clause.
"The sentence contains a reflexive construction because the object refers back to the subject."
A reflexive pronoun is normally used when the subject and object refer to the same person or thing.
Happening automatically in response to a stimulus, without conscious intention.
"The leg's movement was reflexive rather than voluntary."
Designed to reflect light or other radiation back toward its source.
"The sign uses a reflexive surface to remain visible when illuminated from the headlights."
A grammatical form that refers back to the subject of its clause, especially a reflexive pronoun such as herself, himself, itself, or themselves.
"The teacher asked the class to identify the reflexive in the sentence."
In this grammatical sense, the plural is “reflexives.”
Used in grammar for different reflexive forms or examples of reflexive pronouns.
"The lesson compares several reflexives, including “myself” and “ourselves.”"
When you pull your hand back from something hot, you have performed a reflexive action before your brain has had time to deliberate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reflexive come from?
The word comes through French from Latin reflexivus, a form of reflexus, the past participle of reflectere, meaning “to bend back.” The Latin root combines re-, meaning “back,” with flectere, meaning “to bend.” English borrowed the term for grammatical forms that turn an action back upon its subject, and later extended it to automatic responses and reflective surfaces.
Related word forms
How reflexive is actually used
In grammar, “reflexive” describes pronouns and certain verbs whose object refers back to the subject. In psychology and medicine, it describes a rapid, automatic response that does not require conscious deliberation.
Easily confused with reflexive
A reflexive action occurs automatically in response to a stimulus, whereas a reflective action involves careful thought or consideration.