Reflexive

Pronunciation: /rɪˈflɛksɪv/

Definitions of reflexive

adjective Reflexive is an adjective that describes a verb or pronoun that refers back to the subject of the sentence.

Example Sentences

A1 I look at myself in the mirror every morning.

A2 She taught herself how to play the guitar.

B1 He blamed himself for the mistake.

B2 The athlete pushed himself to the limit during the race.

C1 The CEO made sure to always challenge himself with new projects.

C2 The artist's work is deeply reflexive, exploring themes of identity and self-awareness.

Examples of reflexive in a Sentence

formal The reflexive pronoun 'myself' is used to refer back to the subject of the sentence.

informal I always find myself getting lost in this neighborhood, it's so confusing.

slang She's always talking to herself, it's kinda weird.

figurative His reflexive behavior towards criticism shows his insecurity.

Grammatical Forms of reflexive

• past tense: reflected
• plural: reflexives
• comparative: more reflexive
• superlative: most reflexive
• present tense: reflecting
• future tense: will reflect
• perfect tense: have reflected
• continuous tense: is reflecting
• singular: reflexive
• positive degree: reflective
• infinitive: to reflect
• gerund: reflecting
• participle: reflected

Origin and Evolution of reflexive

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'reflexive' originated from the Latin word 'reflexivus', which is derived from the verb 'reflectere' meaning 'to bend back'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 17th century to describe actions or verbs that reflect the action back onto the subject, the term 'reflexive' has evolved to also encompass self-referential or introspective aspects in language and grammar.