Basic Details
Word: Reflexive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Relating to an action that is performed by the subject upon itself.
Synonyms: Self-referential, self-directed
Antonyms: Non-reflexive
Idioms and Phrases
- Reflexive response: An automatic reaction to a stimulus. Example: "When she touched the hot stove, her reflexive response was to pull her hand away immediately."
- Take a reflexive look: To examine oneself or one's actions introspectively. Example: "After the discussion, he decided to take a reflexive look at how he communicated his ideas."
Usage Examples
Example 1: In grammar, a reflexive pronoun is used when the subject and the object of a verb are the same.
Example 2: The reflexive behaviour of the cat, when grooming itself, shows its instinctual habits.
Example 3: After the argument, she took a reflexive moment to consider her actions and how they contributed to the situation.
Fun Fact
The term "reflexive" comes from the Latin word "reflexus," meaning to bend back. It's interesting how this term highlights the idea of looking back at oneself in actions or language!
Famous Quote
"The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates. This quote relates to the idea of being reflexive as it encourages self-reflection.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "reflexive" mean?
a) A deliberate choice
b) Relating to an action performed by the subject on itself
c) An action that doesn't involve reflection
d) A type of animal
Answer: b) Relating to an action performed by the subject on itself
2. Which of these is a synonym of "reflexive"?
a) Self-referential
b) Competitive
c) Fast
d) Clear
Answer: a) Self-referential
3. Which sentence uses "reflexive" correctly?
a) The reflexive nature of the dog made it bark at every sound.
b) She took a reflexive moment before making her decision.
c) The reflexive flower bloomed in the sunlight.
d) He drove the reflexive car to work.
Answer: b) She took a reflexive moment before making her decision.
4. Which idiom means to look at oneself or one's actions?
a) Reflexive response
b) Take a reflexive look
c) Singing in the rain
d) Jumping for joy
Answer: b) Take a reflexive look
5. What is the opposite of "reflexive"?
a) Considerate
b) Non-reflexive
c) Emotionally intelligent
d) Independent
Answer: b) Non-reflexive
