German word

besinnlich

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈzɪnlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivereflective

Example

Er war in einer besinnlichen Stimmung.

He was in a reflective mood.

Illustration for besinnlich (reflective)

More examples

Auf dem Weihnachtsmarkt lief besinnliche Musik.

Reflective music was playing at the Christmas market.

Core concept

A quiet person gathers scattered thoughts and settles into a calm inner focus.

Common phrases

  • besinnliche Musik

    reflective music

  • die besinnliche Adventszeit

    the reflective Advent season

  • eine besinnliche Andacht

    a reflective worship service

Similar words

feierlich: A dignified, solemn air marking a ceremony or ritual.
andächtig: A prayerful, reverent mood of quiet devotion or remembrance.
beschaulich: A restful, contemplative atmosphere amid quiet scenery or leisurely time.

Definition in German

besinnlich bezeichnet eine ruhige, nachdenkliche Stimmung oder Haltung, die zur inneren Sammlung führt.

Word origin

Besinnlich derives from German Besinnung and besinnen, built on Sinn in the sense of thought or awareness, with the adjective ending -lich.

Usage tips

  • Besinnlich commonly describes a mood, atmosphere, or occasion, as in besinnliche Weihnachten, rather than a person's permanent character.

Other meanings

  • peacefuladjective
  • meditativeadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Besinnlichkeitcontemplative qualitynoun

Word lists with this word