reactive
ree-AK-tiv
/riˈæktɪv/
Acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it.
Describes a response to an existing event or stimulus, often implying a lack of foresight or planning.
The story behind the word. Like 'proactive,' 'reactive' is a modern term, formed by combining the Latin prefix 're-' (meaning 'back' or 'again') with 'active,' from the Latin 'agere' or 'actus' ('to do' or 'to drive'). Thus, 'reactive' means 'acting back' or 'acting again' in response to something that has already occurred.
Word relationships
- responsive: Can be positive, implying quick and effective action in response, whereas reactive can sometimes imply belated or unplanned.
- responsive: More neutral, simply means responding to something.
- post-hoc: Latin for 'after this,' often used in academic contexts to describe something done after the event.
- proactive: Creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
- initiating: Starting or causing something to begin.
Commonly confused with
- proactive: Reactive means acting in response to; proactive means acting before.
Word family
- reactively (adverb): In a reactive manner.
- reactiveness (noun): The quality of being reactive.
Collocations
- reactive approach
- reactive measures
- reactive strategy
- reactive policing
- reactive policy
Example sentences
- "The government's response to the economic downturn was largely reactive, implementing measures only after the crisis had deepened." Describing a government's response to a crisis.
- "Traditional policing often relies on a reactive model, responding to calls for service after a crime has been committed." In policing strategy.
Memory hook
Think of 'RE-ACT-ing' to a text message — you only act after it's sent. Re-Act-After
When not to use
Do not use when describing an action taken in anticipation of a future event; that would be 'proactive'.
Fun facts
- In chemistry, a 'reactive' substance is one that readily undergoes a chemical reaction.
- In psychology, 'reactance' is an unpleasant motivational arousal (reaction) to offers, persons, rules, or regulations that threaten or eliminate specific behavioral freedoms.
Related words
Explore more words
adaptive, impulsive, strategic, damage control, Countermeasure, passivity
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