denoting a verb used transitively with the reflexive pronoun as its direct object, as the French se lever "to get up" (literally "to raise oneself") or English to dress oneself

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

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

A reflexive reaction or movement occurs immediately in response to something that happens.

Feb 10, 2026 · "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.

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 meaning: 1 : showing that the action in a sentence or clause happens to the person or thing that does the action; 2 : happening or done without thinking as a reaction to something

Definition of reflexive adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

• At birth, an infant has no awareness of objects other than on a reflexive level. • Here the reflexive pronoun himself marks the fact that him has the same denotation as the subject of the verb, John.

Something that's done automatically, without thought, is reflexive. Things that refer to themselves can also be called reflexive, especially certain parts of grammar, as in this sentence: "I took extra time to …