Definition

Noun: 1. (Logic and Mathematics) A property of a relation where it holds between an element and itself. This describes a fundamental characteristic in formal systems where an entity is related to itself (e.g., equality, where a = a). 2. (Linguistics) The coreferential relationship between a reflexive pronoun and its antecedent. This refers to the grammatical connection where a word (like "myself," "herself") refers back to and is bound by another noun or pronoun in the same clause.

Usage Examples

• (Logic/Mathematics): "In set theory, the relation 'is a subset of' exhibits reflexivity because any set is a subset of itself."
• (Linguistics): "The sentence 'She praised herself' demonstrates reflexivity, as the pronoun 'herself' is coreferential with the antecedent 'She'."

Advanced Usage

• Self-reference: The concept of reflexivity is crucial in discussions about systems that apply to themselves, such as in sociology (reflexive modernization) or economics (the theory that beliefs about markets can influence the markets themselves).
• Formal Property: In mathematics, reflexivity is one of the three key properties (along with symmetry and transitivity) used to define an equivalence relation.

Variants and Related Words

• Reflexive (Adjective): Possessing the quality of reflexivity.
  • Example: "The verb 'perjure' is reflexive and requires a reflexive pronoun, as in 'perjure yourself'."
• Reflexive Pronoun (Noun): A pronoun that ends in "-self" or "-selves" and indicates a coreferential relationship.
  • Example: "Words like 'myself,' 'themselves,' and 'itself' are reflexive pronouns."

Synonyms

• (Logic/Mathematics): Self-relation.
• (Linguistics): Anaphora (specifically, bound anaphora), coreference.

Related Phrases

• Principle of Reflexivity: A concept in social science, notably developed by George Soros in economics, stating that participants' biased perceptions can influence the reality they perceive, creating a feedback loop.

Noun

1. (logic and mathematics) a relation such that it holds between an element and itself
2. the coreferential relation between a reflexive pronoun and its antecedent