What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Retroreflective vs Reflective - What's the difference?

retroreflective | reflective |

As adjectives the difference between retroreflective and reflective

is that retroreflective is tending to reflect light back to its source with a minimum scattering of light while reflective is something which reflects, or redirects back to the source.

retroreflective

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Tending to reflect light back to its source with a minimum scattering of light.

    • Related terms

    * retroreflection * retroreflector

    reflective

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Something which reflects, or redirects back to the source.
    • Mirrors are reflective .
  • Thinking back on the past.
    • He always becomes reflective in preparation for the new year.
  • (computing, programming) Involving reflection.

    • Derived terms

    * unreflective

    Coordinate terms

    * refractive