reflectively

comparative more reflectively · superlative most reflectively

1. In a reflective manner; meditatively.

   Blake picked his teeth reflectively with the point of a clasp knife.

   1945, Tom Ronan, Strangers on the Ophir, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 110

   2 more examples

   "I should say yes," agreed George. "And talk about speed!" he added. "Wow! One ball he threw soaked me in the ear. I can feel it yet!" and he rubbed the side of his head reflectively.

   1912, Stratemeyer Syndicate, chapter 1, in Baseball Joe on the School Nine

   "Spuds - Jim - Jimmy?" he ran his fingers reflectively through his hair, and frowned. "Bowles," he added triumphantly.

   1913, Norman Lindsay, A Curate in Bohemia, Sydney: N.S.W. Bookstall Co., published 1932, page 6

2. computingBy means of reflection.

   In JIT compilation, the running program is reflectively modified by an embedded compiler, which only uses two reflective operations […]

   2024, Egon Börger, Vincenzo Gervasi, Structures of Computing: A Guide to Practice-Oriented Theory, page 108