reflexively
UK: /rɪˈflɛksɪvli/ | US: /rɪˈflɛksɪvli/
adv. in a reflexive manner; done automatically or without conscious thought
adv. (grammar) in a way that refers back to the subject of the clause
The word "reflexively" originates from the Latin reflexus (past participle of reflectere, meaning "to bend back"). The root flex (from Latin flectere, "to bend") implies a turning or bending action, metaphorically extended to mental or grammatical "bending back." The suffix -ive forms adjectives, and -ly converts them into adverbs. Over time, "reflexively" evolved to describe actions performed automatically (like a physical reflex) or grammatical structures where the action reflects back on the subject (e.g., "He washed himself").
She reflexively reached for her phone when it buzzed.
The cat reflexively pounced on the moving toy.
In the sentence "They blamed themselves," "themselves" is used reflexively.
He reflexively ducked when the ball flew toward his head.
The doctor tested her knee-jerk reaction, which responded reflexively.