Basic Details
Word: Reflexive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: In grammar, a reflexive pronoun refers back to the subject of the sentence, such as myself, herself or themselves. It can also describe an action done automatically, like a reflex.
Synonyms: automatic, instinctive
Antonyms: deliberate
Word origin: From Latin reflexus, bent back.
How to Spell Reflexive
Syllables: re - flex - ive
Tricky part: It is spelt with an x, from reflex. Do not mix it up with reflective, which has ct and a different meaning.
Watch out for: reflexiv, reflecsive, reflixive
Memory tip: A reflex is something your body does by itself, and a reflexive pronoun points back at the subject of its own sentence. Keep the x of reflex and add -ive.
Usage Examples
Example 1: In 'Anu hurt herself', the word herself is a reflexive pronoun.
Example 2: Grabbing the rail when the bus braked was a reflexive movement.
Example 3: Our grammar test had ten questions on reflexive pronouns.
Fun Fact
The knee-jerk reflex is controlled by the spinal cord, so the leg kicks before the brain has even registered the tap on the knee.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word reflexive as used in the sentence:
Blinking when dust flew towards her eyes was a reflexive action.
a) automatic
b) instinctive
c) deliberate
d) involuntary
Show answer
c) deliberate. A reflexive action happens without thought; a deliberate one is planned on purpose.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
The English workbook has a whole chapter on fevirelxe pronouns such as yourself and himself.
a) flexible
b) relative
c) reflexive
d) reflective
Show answer
c) reflexive. Reflective has a c and a t; this jumble has an x and no c, so it can only be reflexive.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
refflexive
a) x
b) l
c) f
d) v
Show answer
c) f. Flex starts with a single f, and putting re in front does not double it.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Only one of these pronouns is reflexive. Which is it?
a) they
b) themselves
c) them
d) their
Show answer
b) themselves
2. A reflexive action is one you do ____.
a) with a friend's help
b) once a year
c) only after a long plan
d) without thinking about it
Show answer
d) without thinking about it
