Reactive - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Reactive describes something that responds to events or changes rather than initiating them. It often implies a quick or automatic response to external stimuli, such as reactive behavior or materials.
Definition:
Responding to events or stimuli rather than initiating action; prone to react.
Synonyms:
responsive, sensitive, excitable, volatile
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
proactive, inactive, unresponsive
Common Collocations:
reactive approach, reactive behavior, reactive measures, reactive stance
Derivatives:
reactively, reactivity
Usage Tips:
Use "reactive" to describe behavior or systems that respond to changes rather than prevent them.
Common Phrases:
reactive mindset, reactive attitude, go on the defensive
Etymology:
From Latin "react-" (acted in return) + "-ive," meaning tending to respond or act in response.
Examples:
- 1. The chemical is highly reactive when exposed to water.
- 2. Her reactive attitude often escalates minor disagreements into arguments.
- 3. The company took a reactive approach to customer complaints instead of preventing them.
- 4. Some metals are more reactive than others in acidic solutions.