Word Noun
reflexive
n.
C1 Advanced US /ɹəˈfɫɛksɪv/ UK /ɹɪflˈɛksɪv/ re·flex·ive UK spelling reflexives
Definition
n.a word or phrase that refers back to the subject of the sentence. It is used when the person performing the action is also the one receiving it.
n.a pronoun or phrase that refers back to the subject of the clause or sentence. In grammar, it indicates that the action of the verb is directed back at the subject.
Examples
“In many languages, the reflexive form is necessary to indicate that the subject is performing the action on itself, rather than on a separate object.”
Etymology
From Medieval Latin reflexīvus, from Latin reflexus, equivalent to reflex + -ive.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Origin Latin reflexus
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated