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. intrusually foll byon to think, meditate, or ponder

Other Words From

• re·flect·ed·ly adverb
• re·flect·ed·ness noun
• re·flect·i·bil·i·ty [ri-flek-t, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• re·flect·i·ble adjective
• in·ter·re·flect verb
• mis·re·flect· verb
• non·re·flect·ed adjective
• well-re·flect·ed 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

Several years ago, when climate change was beginning to emerge in the vernacular of the extreme right, Taylor’s publications began to reflect his own thoughts on the implications of the warming world.

From Salon

Bush’s second win was rock bottom for Democrats and forced the party to reflect and rebuild, Silver explained.

From Salon

Reflect on who you are, what you believe and what your actual principles are.

From Salon

But the stereotype of romance-hungry women and love-reluctant men doesn't reflect reality.

From Salon

Kensington Palace said the service would provide "a moment to reflect upon the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives".

From BBC

Related Words

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