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

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

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

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 …

2 days ago · "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.

automatic, habitual, unthinking, etc. a smile that seemed merely reflexive, not heartfelt

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 …

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

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.