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answer reflexively

[ˈænsər rɪˈflɛksɪvli]
verb phrase
responder reflexivamente
1. To respond to a question or statement in an automatic or instinctive manner without deliberate thought or consideration
When asked about his childhood, he answered reflexively without pausing to think.
Quando perguntado sobre sua infância, ele respondeu reflexivamente sem pausar para pensar.
2. In grammar, to use a reflexive pronoun or verb construction in one's response
The student answered reflexively using the pronoun 'myself' in the sentence.
O aluno respondeu reflexivamente usando o pronome 'me' na frase.
Synonyms
answer automaticallyrespond instinctivelyreply spontaneouslyanswer without thinking
Antonyms
answer deliberatelyrespond thoughtfullyanswer carefullyreply with consideration

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
responder reflexivamente
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
responder de forma reflexiva
Common alternative phrasing
Portugal
responder reflexivamente
Standard usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

speak off the top of one's head
answer on the spur of the moment
give a gut reaction
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