reflect

[ri-flekt]

verb (used with object)

1. to cast back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface.

   The mirror reflected the light onto the wall.

2. to give back or show an image of; mirror.

3. (of an act or its result) to serve to cast or bring (credit, discredit, etc.) on its performer.

4. to reproduce; show.

   followers reflecting the views of the leader.

   Synonyms: manifest

5. to throw or cast back; cause to return or rebound.

   Her bitterness reflects gloom on all her family.

verb (used without object)

1. to be turned or cast back, as light.

   Synonyms: resound, reecho

2. to cast back light, heat, etc.

3. to be reflected or mirrored.

4. to give back or show an image.

5. to think, ponder, or meditate.

   to reflect on one's virtues and faults.

   Synonyms: contemplate, cogitate, consider, muse, deliberate, ruminate, ponder, meditate, think

6. to serve or tend to bring reproach or discredit by association.

   His crimes reflected on the whole community.

7. to serve to give a particular aspect or impression.

   The test reflects well on your abilities.

reflect

/ rɪˈflɛkt /

verb

1. to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which light, other electromagnetic radiation, sound, particles, etc, are thrown back after impinging on a surface

2. (of a mirror, etc) to form an image of (something) by reflection

3. (tr) to show or express

   his tactics reflect his desire for power

4. (tr) to bring as a consequence

   the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff

5. (intr; foll by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way

   her behaviour reflects well on her

6. (intr; foll by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on)

   his conduct reflects on his parents

7. to think, meditate, or ponder

Other Word Forms

• reflectedly adverb
• reflectedness noun
• reflectibility noun
• reflectible adjective
• interreflect verb
• misreflect verb
• nonreflected adjective
• well-reflected adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflect¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English reflecten, from Latin reflectere “to bend back,” equivalent to re- re- + flectere “to bend”

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflect¹

C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from _re- + flectere to bend; see _flex

Synonym Study

See study.

Example Sentences

“This is truly your time to come celebrate, enjoy, reflect and get ready for what’s going to be an amazing adventure,” Demoff told the crowd.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think the artist’s duty is to reflect me. Can’t we just tell stories?”

From Los Angeles Times

“Her death scene felt like a farewell, and I reflected on the fact that I called her mum for 12 years and that was very strange,” Bonneville adds.

From Los Angeles Times

Binoculars or a telescope will help if you have them, and unlike with solar eclipses, which are dangerous to view directly, lunar eclipses won't damage your eyes as the Moon's reflected light isn't bright enough.

From BBC

Though not nearly as one-sided as the hammering at Headingley on Tuesday, a five-run margin did not reflect the nature of the contest.

From BBC

Related Words

• display 
• express 
• indicate 
• manifest 
• reveal 
• show