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reflectively

reflectively

3 4.8
In a way that shows careful thought before speaking or acting
  • adverb
  • /rɪˈflɛktɪvli/
translation icon : reflexivamente
  • "Mamma, I don't want to go to school anymore," she said reflectively.
  • think reflectively
  • reflectively assess

That is, somebody who acts automatically in the ways that he or she would like to act reflectively.

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Examples

  • Thus, we all have normative reason to reflectively approve of FRE because this principle is constitutive for preserving our dignity.

    Academic text (2018)
  • More specifically, two students commented that the online course requirements prompted them to think more reflectively about their internship experience.

    Academic text (2006)
  • "How the hell did you know a thing like that?" he asked, more reflectively than making actual inquiry.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The course is concerned with opening our minds to the ideas and encouraging us to think reflectively.

    Academic text (1996)
  • It's not so easy to know which answer is the one that we reflectively endorse.

  • Of course," he added reflectively, glancing out the window, "that may be the whole idea.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The researcher listens reflectively to her or his own experience and the experience of others.

    Academic text (2000)
  • She sat reflectively on the bench, considering the choices she had made.

  • After the meeting, he spoke reflectively about the team's future direction.

  • The teacher asked the students to think reflectively about their learning experiences.

Synonyms

thoughtfully
vsreflectively
43 3.7

In a careful way that shows you pay attention before deciding

has the same careful consideration but differs only in word form or register
soberly
vsreflectively
8 4.2

In a serious, calm way that does not show excitement

shows careful thought but does not carry the same restrained serious tone
pensively
vsreflectively
3 7.0

In a quiet, serious way that shows deep thought and a little sadness

involves careful thought without the quiet sadness often present in this mood
mindfully
vsreflectively
2 3.9

Carefully and with full attention to what you do

emphasizes careful thought without the deliberate present awareness or intention
meditatively
vsreflectively
1 5.7

In a quiet, thoughtful way while you think about something

is careful practical consideration rather than long quiet inner practice
contemplatively
vsreflectively
1 6.8

In a quiet, thoughtful way

is about careful consideration in general, not only deep silent observation
musingly
vsreflectively
1 7.2

In a quiet way that shows someone is thinking hard

is careful practical consideration rather than dreamy or idle deep thought
introspectively
vsreflectively
1 7.3

When a person looks carefully at their own thoughts and feelings

is general careful consideration rather than focused inward self examination
consideringly
vsreflectively
5.8

In a thoughtful way that shows care for others

focuses on general careful thought rather than caring about others
ruminatively
vsreflectively
7.9

In a slow, thoughtful way

focuses on measured careful thought rather than long repeated dwelling on ideas

Antonyms

12 5.1

Act quickly because you suddenly want to, without thinking first

How Thoughtful

meditatively
1 5.7
reflectively
3 4.8
thoughtfully
43 3.7

Surface Forms

reflectively positive
reflectiverly comparative
reflectivest superlative

Morphology

reflectively = reflective (transparent) = reflect + ive + ly

Formed by standard adverbial derivation: adding -ly to the adjective 'reflective', which itself is transparently formed from the verb 'reflect' with -ive.

Etymology

Reflectively comes from the parts re- 'back' and flect 'to bend', the same root you see in flex, which also means 'bend'. Think of light bending back in a mirror or your mind bending back to look at an idea, and so to act reflectively is to think carefully before you speak or act.