Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈflɛktɪvli/
KK: /rɪˈflɛktɪvli/
Definition
In a way that involves careful thought or consideration about something.
Example
She looked reflectively at the old photographs, remembering the past.
Conversation

Have you ever thought about our conversations reflectively?

Yeah, I think it helps us understand each other better.

I agree! Sometimes I wish we could reflectively analyze our past discussions.

That would be interesting; it might give us new insights.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
thoughtfully
introspectively
contemplatively
Antonyms
carelessly
hastily
unreflectively
Root Explanation
Reflectively → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back) and "flectere" (meaning to bend). The word "reflectively" means in a manner that bends back, often referring to thoughtful consideration or contemplation.
Memory Tip
Think of bending back your thoughts when you reflect — 're-' means back, and 'flectere' means to bend.
Visually Confused Words
unreflectively
irreflectively
electively
selectively
repletively
effectively
defectively
refective