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Glite Dictionary
acquired reflex

acquired reflex

6.5
A learned automatic response to a signal, for example salivating at a bell
  • noun
  • /əˈkwaɪərd ˈrɪflɛks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : reflejo adquirido
  • The sound of the bell became associated with food, creating an acquired reflex in the dog.

Examples

  • Through repeated training, the pilot developed an acquired reflex to respond instantly to emergency signals.

  • The dog learned an acquired reflex to sit when given a treat.

  • Blinking at the flash of a camera is not an acquired reflex, but salivating at the sound of a bell can be.

  • An acquired reflex can develop after repeated experiences.

  • The sound of the bell became associated with food, creating an acquired reflex in the dog.

  • Through repeated training, the pilot developed an acquired reflex to respond instantly to emergency signals.

  • An acquired reflex can develop after repeated experiences.

Synonyms

conditioned response
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
3 4.8

A learned reaction to a signal, like a bell, that happens after the signal is often shown with something else

describes any behavior learned by experience or training not only by pairing
conditioned reflex
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
1 5.3

An automatic response learned when a neutral sound or sign is repeatedly paired with something that naturally causes it

is any behavior learned by experience or training not limited to pairing
learned response
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
1 5.7

A reaction a person develops from practice or experience, not one they are born with

is the specific kind of behavior learned to particular cues via conditioning
conditional reflex
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
6.5

An automatic learned reaction to a signal after repeated practice, for example a dog drooling at a bell

is the same idea but described more generally as learned rather than automatic
conditioned reaction
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
5.0

A learned response that happens when a signal like a bell is paired with food many times

covers learned behaviors to cues more broadly not only specific action links
conditional response
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
7.2

A learned reaction to a sound or signal after it happens many times

focuses on learned actions generally rather than the specific learning detail
conditional reaction
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
7.4

A learned response that happens when a certain sound or signal appears, for example a dog drooling at a bell

is any behavior learned to a cue even if not strictly cue dependent
learned reaction
vsacquired reflex
  • Specialized
5.3

A way of acting you get from practice or experience

is specifically a behavior that occurs in response to particular cues after training

Antonyms

innate reflex
  • Specialized
4.1

An automatic action your body makes without being taught

How Automatic

innate reflex
  • Specialized
4.1
acquired reflex
  • Specialized
6.5
learned response
  • Specialized
1 5.7
voluntary
  • Specialized
11 3.9

Surface Forms

acquired reflex singular
acquired reflexes plural

Morphology

acquired + reflex

The meaning is compositionally predictable: 'acquired' (learned/obtained) modifies 'reflex' (an automatic response), so together they denote a reflex that has been learned or conditioned. There is no idiomatic shift or metaphorical meaning, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Acquired reflex shows a reflex as a quick, automatic action and acquired means learned by training, like Pavlov's dogs salivating at the sound of a bell. So it means a quick response someone 'learned' to give when a certain 'signal' appears.