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réflexe

reflex, instinctive reaction

noun reh-FLEKS Rare
Body & Health Movement

Also means

reflex (anatomy)

Usage Note

Réflexe is used both in medical contexts (réflexe rotulien — knee-jerk reflex) and everyday speech to mean an instinctive response or quick reaction (avoir de bons réflexes — to have good reflexes, often said of drivers). The adjective réflexe can also describe an automatic action. Do not confuse with réflexion (reflection/thought), which comes from the same root.

Examples

"Il a eu le réflexe d'attraper le verre."

Natural Translation

He instinctively grabbed the glass.

Literal Translation

He had the reflex to grab the glass.

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