See also: réflexive

English edit

Etymology edit

From Medieval Latin reflexīvus, from Latin reflexus.

Pronunciation edit

  • enPR: rəflĕk'sĭv, IPA(key): /ɹəˈflɛksɪv/
    • (file)

Adjective edit

reflexive (not comparable)

  1. (grammar) Referring back to the subject, or having an object equal to the subject.
  2. (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.
  3. Of or resulting from a reflex.
    The electric shock elicited an automatic and reflexive response from him.
  4. (figurative) Producing immediate response, spontaneous.
    a reflexive dislike
  5. Synonym of reflective

Antonyms edit

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

Noun edit

reflexive (plural reflexives)

  1. (grammar) A reflexive pronoun.
  2. (grammar) A reflexive verb.

Translations edit

See also edit

Further reading edit

German edit

Pronunciation edit

Adjective edit

reflexive

  1. inflection of reflexiv:
    1. strong/mixed nominative/accusative feminine singular
    2. strong nominative/accusative plural
    3. weak nominative all-gender singular
    4. weak accusative feminine/neuter singular

Latin edit

Etymology 1 edit

Adverb edit

reflexīvē (not comparable)

  1. reflexively

Etymology 2 edit

Adjective edit

reflexīve

  1. vocative masculine singular of reflexīvus