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

“It was pretty crazy how it all came about,” he said this week, reflecting on his rapid rise.

From Washington Post

Tiffany Shackelford had a unique, fun style that her friends and family members said reflected her bright personality, sense of humor and love of helping others to connect.

From Washington Post

If my personality profile reflected the traits most specific to people who are successful in the role, I’d advance to the next hiring stage.

From MIT Technology Review

“The time is right to reimagine our entire game day experience, to reinvent it in a way that reflects our modern identity and aligns with what today’s fan seeks,” team president Jason Wright said in a news release.

From Washington Post

This means the agency may be logging debts from companies that no longer exist or have accounts on their books that do not accurately reflect the amount due.

From ProPublica

They just reflect the range of breeds that were used to create the Heck cattle in the first instance.

From The Daily Beast

But it is not only small airlines that reflect the laxity of the system.

From The Daily Beast

This does not reflect lack of interest in a better environment.

From The Daily Beast

In many ways these attitudes reflect the increasingly urban-centric focus of the party.

From The Daily Beast

Note: This piece was updated to reflect that Mrs. Landingham died while Aaron Sorkin was still writing The West Wing.

From The Daily Beast

He was too drowsy to hold the thought more than a moment in his mind, much less to reflect upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

It goes far to reconciling me to being a woman when I reflect that I am thus in no danger of ever marrying one.

From Project Gutenberg

And as bronze reflects the light, her mentality seemed to reflect all the cold lights in her nature.

From Project Gutenberg

Gwynne made a wry face as he sat down before the dressing-table that he might reflect his visage while he brushed his hair.

From Project Gutenberg

This accident led his parents to reflect upon the childs incurable tendency and consider the question of his musical education.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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