self-reflective
UK[ˌself rɪˈflektɪv]US[ˌself rɪˈflektɪv]
adj
Thinking deeply about your own thoughts, feelings, and actions.
adj
(Of a surface, device, etc.) Capable of reflecting light or other radiation back to its source.
Morpheme Breakdown
self
re
flective
self
own
re
back
flective
bending
Etymology
The word 'self-reflective' is a modern English compound built from established elements. The core concept originates from the Latin verb flectere, meaning "to bend." Combined with the prefix 're-' (back), it forms the idea of "bending back," which evolved metaphorically into the mental act of turning one's thoughts back upon themselves. The addition of 'self-' intensifies and specifies this action, directing it inward. Thus, the literal notion of "bending back upon oneself" perfectly captures the abstract meaning of introspection and careful self-examination.
Analysis
Structure: self (own) + re (back) + flective (bending)
self: Old English, meaning "one's own person." Functions as a prefix indicating directed back upon oneself.
re: Latin, meaning "back" or "again." Functions as an intensifying prefix in this compound.
flective: From Latin flectere (to bend), via the English adjective 'reflective'. Functions as the core root indicating the action of turning or directing.
Examples
Keeping a journal is a self-reflective practice that can increase self-awareness.
The professor encouraged a self-reflective approach to the students' learning process.
The material has a self-reflective coating that improves visibility at night.