What does reactive mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/riˈæktɪv/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Responding to a stimulus or situation, often in a way that is automatic or instinctive, rather than being proactive or initiating action.

Examples

• The company’s reactive approach to customer complaints led to a loss of trust.
• She has a reactive personality, often responding impulsively to situations.

Synonyms

• Responsive
• Impulsive

Antonyms

• Proactive
• Deliberate

Additional Information

Being reactive can be beneficial in certain situations, such as responding to emergencies or threats. However, it can also lead to impulsive decisions and a lack of control. In many cases, being proactive and taking initiative can lead to better outcomes and more effective problem-solving.

In psychology, reactive behavior is often associated with the fight-or-flight response, which is a natural response to stress or danger. However, chronic reactive behavior can be a sign of underlying issues, such as anxiety or impulsivity.

In business and management, reactive strategies are often contrasted with proactive strategies. Reactive strategies involve responding to changes or problems as they arise, while proactive strategies involve anticipating and preventing problems before they occur.

Etymology

The word “reactive” comes from the Latin “reactivus,” meaning “capable of reacting.” It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe chemical reactions, and later expanded to describe human behavior and other phenomena.

Usage Notes

When using the word “reactive,” it’s essential to consider the context and connotation. In some cases, being reactive can be seen as a positive trait, such as responding quickly to emergencies. However, in other cases, it can be seen as a negative trait, such as being impulsive or lacking control.

Cultural References

The concept of reactive behavior has been explored in various cultural references, such as in psychology, philosophy, and literature. For example, the concept of the “reactive mind” is discussed in the book “Dianetics” by L. Ron Hubbard.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Reactive behavior”
• “Reactive personality”
• “Reactive approach”

Related Words or Phrases

• Proactive
• Impulsive
• Responsive

Collocations

• “Reactive behavior in response to stress”
• “A reactive approach to problem-solving”
• “Reactive personality traits”

Frequency of Use

The word “reactive” is commonly used in various contexts, including psychology, business, and everyday conversation. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “reactive” is used approximately 1.5 times per million words.

Common Misspellings

• “Reactiv”
• “Reactiv”
• “Reactivly”