reflecting
Americanadjective
-
casting back light, heat, sound, etc., from a surface.
An echo is heard when the reflecting surface is at a considerable distance from both the speaker and the hearer.
-
having a mirrorlike effect; giving back or showing an image.
The most memorable feature of Hadrian’s Villa for me was the reflecting pool at the back, surrounded by ruins and statues.
-
thinking, pondering, or meditating.
It is apparent to every reflecting mind that a crisis has arisen which requires the consideration and action of every peace-loving citizen.
noun
-
an act or instance of casting back light, heat, etc., of giving back an image, or of showing or reproducing something.
This room feels almost like it's under the sea; the mirror mimics the reflecting of the water.
-
an act or instance of thinking, pondering, or meditating.
We have been doing some reflecting on the year that has just passed.
Other Word Forms
- nonreflecting adjective
- reflectingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of reflecting
First recorded in 1525–35; reflect ( def. ) + -ing 2 ( def. ) for the adjective senses; reflect ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. ) for the noun senses
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Two investors, SRS Investment Management and Pentwater Capital Management, together effectively control over 100% of Avis stock, reflecting ownership of stock and cash-settled total return swaps that are equivalent to stock.
From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026
Cancer centers have rigorous informed consent protocols before treatment, reflecting ethical standards that were only emerging in the early transplant days.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
His election was widely viewed as a notable political moment, reflecting shifting dynamics within the city and the broader party.
From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026
The system also includes a small antenna that sends data wirelessly by reflecting existing radio frequency signals, which keeps energy use extremely low.
From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026
Then she stopped and faced Ben, the kitchen light reflecting off one lens of her glasses, and said, “What about Toomer, Ben?”
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
