reflexively

Reflexively is an adverb formed from the concept of reflexive action. It describes the manner in which an action is performed in relation to the subject, often in reference to reflexive constructions or self-directed actions. The term is used mainly in linguistic description, philosophy, and logic, rather than in everyday speech.

In grammar, reflexive constructions typically involve a reflexive pronoun such as myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, or themselves. The core meaning is that the subject acts upon itself. The adverb reflexively can be used to indicate this manner more explicitly, as in sentences like “She dressed reflexively” or “The subject spoke reflexively about their own errors.” In standard prose, however, speakers often rely on reflexive pronouns (herself, himself) rather than the adverb.

Beyond grammar, reflexively appears in discussions of reflexivity in logic, mathematics, and philosophy. There, it describes a relation or property that relates an element to itself, for example, a relation R is reflexive if every x satisfies xRx. In such contexts, reflexively characterizes how an action or relation applies to its own subject rather than to a separate object.

In summary, reflexively denotes manner or reference tied to the subject, most commonly in linguistic discussions of reflexive verbs and pronouns, with broader applicability to concepts of reflexivity in formal disciplines.