DictionaryreflexiveReference back to the subject
adjective / noun

reflexive

A grammatical form that refers back to the subject.

In “She blames herself,” the reflexive pronoun refers to “she.”

Etymology

The source means bent back. In grammar, a reflexive form turns reference back toward the subject of its own clause.

More examples

  • Use a reflexive pronoun to complete “I remind ___ to breathe.”
  • “Ourselves” and “themselves” are plural reflexives.
  • The verb is reflexive in “He washes himself.”

Forms

reflexive · reflexives