The meaning of REFLEXIVE is directed or turned back on itself; also : overtly and usually ironically reflecting conventions of genre or form. How to use reflexive in a sentence.

Reflexive definition: (of a verb) taking a subject and object with identical referents, as shave in I shave myself.. See examples of REFLEXIVE used in a sentence.

reflexive adjective (MOVEMENT) done because of a physical reaction that you cannot control:

In grammar, a reflexive verb is, loosely, a verb whose direct object is the same as its subject, for example, "I wash myself". More generally, a reflexive verb has the same semantic agent and patient …

Define reflexive. reflexive synonyms, reflexive pronunciation, reflexive translation, English dictionary definition of reflexive. adj. 1. Directed back on itself.

Sep 22, 2025 · "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.

There are 15 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word reflexive, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.