reactive
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “reactive” mean?
adjective.acting in response to a situation rather than creating or controlling it.
SAT Usage
the term is typically used in contexts related to psychology, social dynamics, or environmental science. It emphasizes a lack of initiative or control, suggesting that a person, system, or organism is primarily responding to external stimuli rather than proactively shaping their circumstances, distinguishing it from terms like "proactive," which conveys initiative and forward-thinking behavior.
Common Confusions
Reactive implies acting in response to external stimuli, while proactive usually suggests taking initiative and anticipating future needs or challenges.
Do not choose reactive if the context emphasizes initiative or control rather than acting in response to a situation.
Example Sentences
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The company's reactive approach meant problems were never prevented.