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reflexive

[rɪˈflɛksɪv]

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

Phrases with reflexive

  • a verb whose direct object is the same as its subject

    Example

    In the sentence 'I dressed myself,' 'dressed' is a reflexive verb.

  • 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.

  • 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.