Reactively

Reactively describes an action or response that is characterized by a quick, often impulsive or defensive reaction to a stimulus or event. It implies responding without careful thought or planning, prioritizing an immediate response over considered judgment. The reaction can be emotional, behavioral, or cognitive, and it often stems from an underlying emotion like fear, anger, or surprise. reactively contrasts with responding thoughtfully or proactively, suggesting a lack of control or foresight in the given situation. The speed and perceived urgency of the trigger are central. The response seeks to address the perceived or genuine threat in the moment.

Reactively meaning with examples

• After the harsh criticism, the manager reactively defended her actions, interrupting the feedback session to explain her reasoning. She felt personally attacked, her reaction a direct response to what she perceived as a threat to her competence. While this offered immediate defense, a more measured response might have led to a better outcome and understanding.
• The dog reactively barked and lunged at the unexpected noise, exhibiting a typical flight-or-fight response to the sudden disturbance. This instinctive action, rooted in instinct, was an immediate reaction to what it interpreted as a potential danger. It did not pause to assess the situation rationally or to discern that it was just a delivery truck.
• When the software crashed, the IT team reactively began troubleshooting, working to resolve the error without first documenting the event. In their rush to minimize disruption, they failed to gather critical information to prevent reoccurrence. The focus was primarily on preventing harm and preventing more downtime, rather than prevention.
• The child reactively started to cry when she was told she couldn't have a cookie before dinner. The emotional outburst demonstrated a direct response to her unmet desire, demonstrating a lack of emotional regulation. Instead of calmly accepting the decision, she immediately sought the only action to express her current discomfort.
• The government reactively imposed new regulations after the scandal broke, without adequate deliberation or public consultation. This decision was driven by a desire to show the public that they were addressing the problem quickly. The lack of preplanning resulted in issues and difficulty in enforcing the laws.