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English
Etymology
From Medieval Latin reflexīvus, from Latin reflexus.
Pronunciation
Adjective
reflexive (not comparable)
- (grammar) Referring back to the subject, or having an object equal to the subject.
- (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.
- Of or resulting from a reflex.
The electric shock elicited an automatic and reflexive response from him.
- (figurative) Producing immediate response, spontaneous.
a reflexive dislike
- Synonym of reflective
Antonyms
Derived terms
Translations
Noun
reflexive (plural reflexives)
- (grammar) A reflexive pronoun.
- (grammar) A reflexive verb.
Translations
See also
Further reading
German
Pronunciation
Adjective
reflexive
- inflection of reflexiv:
- strong/mixed nominative/accusative feminine singular
- strong nominative/accusative plural
- weak nominative all-gender singular
- weak accusative feminine/neuter singular
Latin
Etymology 1
Adverb
reflexīvē (not comparable)
- reflexively
Etymology 2
Adjective
reflexīve
- vocative masculine singular of reflexīvus