reflective

Everyday

1. Reflective means able to send back light, like a mirror or the shiny strips on a safety vest. tree →
2. Reflective also means quiet and thoughtful, thinking carefully about things. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about light, shiny smooth surfaces are reflective, while dark rough ones absorb light. In road safety, children wear reflective clothing, armbands and backpack strips at night so drivers' headlights make them shine and they can be seen from far away; bikes have reflectors. In writing, a reflective piece looks back on what you learned. Phrases: reflective vest, reflective strip, reflective jacket, in a reflective mood.

Examples

• Wear a reflective vest when you walk home in the dark. tree →
• My backpack has reflective strips. tree →
• A mirror is very reflective. tree →
• Drivers can see reflective clothes in their headlights. tree →
• Black cloth is not reflective; it absorbs light. tree →
• Snow is so reflective that it can hurt your eyes. tree →
• She was quiet and reflective after the film. tree →
• Write a reflective paragraph about your trip. tree →

Note

Reflective is the adjective from reflect; the noun is reflection, and a reflector is an object that reflects light. Reflective material does not make its own light; it only shines when light hits it, so wear bright colours in the day and reflective things at night.