reflective
Meaning: Given to or characterised by deep, careful thought. Also, relating to or capable of reflecting light or sound.
In the intellectual sense, reflective describes a thoughtful, self-aware quality of mind that looks back on experience and draws meaning from it. 'Reflective practice' is a key concept in education and professional development. The physical sense — surfaces that bounce back light — gives rise to 'reflective clothing' and 'reflective material.' Common collocations include 'reflective mood,' 'reflective essay,' 'reflective practice,' and 'reflective of' (meaning indicative of).
Examples
- In a reflective essay published years later, the former prime minister acknowledged the mistakes of his early tenure. 在数年后发表的一篇反思性文章中,这位前首相承认了其早期任期的错误。En un ensayo reflexivo publicado años después, el ex primer ministro reconoció los errores de sus primeros años en el cargo.数年後に発表された回顧的なエッセイの中で、元首相は在任初期の過ちを認めた。수년 후 발표된 회고적 에세이에서 전 총리는 재임 초기의 실수를 인정했다.
- She was in a reflective mood after the reunion, thinking about how different everyone's lives had turned out. 同学聚会后她心情沉思,想着每个人的生活走向竟如此不同。Estaba de humor reflexivo tras la reunión, pensando en lo diferentes que habían resultado las vidas de todos.同窓会の後、彼女は内省的な気分に浸り、皆の人生がいかに異なる道を辿ったかを思い返していた。동창회 후 그녀는 내성적인 기분에 젖어, 모두의 삶이 얼마나 다르게 전개되었는지를 되돌아보았다.
- The survey results are broadly reflective of public opinion across the country, according to the pollsters. 民调机构表示,调查结果大致反映了全国各地的公众舆论。Los resultados de la encuesta son, en líneas generales, reflejo de la opinión pública en todo el país, según los encuestadores.世論調査の結果は、調査会社によれば、全国の世論をおおむね反映しているという。여론조사 기관에 따르면, 이번 조사 결과는 전국적인 여론을 대체로 반영하고 있다고 한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, journalism, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin 'reflectivus,' from Latin 'reflectere' meaning to bend back, from 're-' (back) and 'flectere' (to bend). The intellectual sense developed in the 17th century alongside the physical sense.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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