referring back to the subject or agent of the verb, e.g. 'he hurt himself', denoting a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause in which it is used, e.g. 'myself', 'yourself', denoting a verb whose direct object is the same as its subject, e.g. 'she dressed'

Formal and Informal Expressions of reflexive

In different contexts, you can replace 'reflexive' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'self-referential' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'selfish' is a commonplace synonym.

reflexive: Explore its Definition & Usage

reflexive Definition

1referring back to the subject or agent of the verb, e.g. 'he hurt himself'
2denoting a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause in which it is used, e.g. 'myself', 'yourself'
3denoting a verb whose direct object is the same as its subject, e.g. 'she dressed'

Using reflexive: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reflexive" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Example
He blamed himself for the accident.
Example
The cat groomed itself.
Example
The reflexive pronoun 'itself' refers back to the noun 'cat'.

reflexive Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for reflexive

self-referential
self-reflexive
self-referent

Antonyms for reflexive

transitive
non-reflexive

Phrases with reflexive

reflexive verb
a verb whose direct object is the same as its subject
Example
In the sentence 'I dressed myself,' 'dressed' is a reflexive verb.
reflexive pronoun
a pronoun that refers back to the subject of the clause in which it is used
Example
In the sentence 'I hurt myself,' 'myself' is a reflexive pronoun.
reflexive thinking
the process of examining and adjusting one's own thoughts and behaviors
Example
Through reflexive thinking, she was able to identify her biases and work to overcome them.

Origins of reflexive

from Latin 'reflectere', meaning 'to bend back'

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Summary: reflexive in Brief

The term 'reflexive' [rɪˈflɛksɪv] describes language elements that refer back to the subject or agent of the verb, such as reflexive pronouns like 'myself' and 'yourself.' It also denotes verbs whose direct object is the same as their subject, as in 'she dressed.' 'Reflexive' extends into phrases like 'reflexive thinking,' which involves examining and adjusting one's own thoughts and behaviors.