reflect
Americanverb (used with object)
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to cast back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface.
The mirror reflected the light onto the wall.
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to give back or show an image of; mirror.
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(of an act or its result) to serve to cast or bring (credit, discredit, etc.) on its performer.
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to reproduce; show.
followers reflecting the views of the leader.
- Synonyms:
- manifest
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to throw or cast back; cause to return or rebound.
Her bitterness reflects gloom on all her family.
verb (used without object)
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to be turned or cast back, as light.
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to cast back light, heat, etc.
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to be reflected or mirrored.
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to give back or show an image.
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to think, ponder, or meditate.
to reflect on one's virtues and faults.
- Synonyms:
- contemplate, cogitate, consider, muse, deliberate, ruminate, ponder, meditate, think
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to serve or tend to bring reproach or discredit by association.
His crimes reflected on the whole community.
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to serve to give a particular aspect or impression.
The test reflects well on your abilities.
verb
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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
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(of a mirror, etc) to form an image of (something) by reflection
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(tr) to show or express
his tactics reflect his desire for power
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(tr) to bring as a consequence
the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff
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(intr; foll by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way
her behaviour reflects well on her
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(intr; foll by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on)
his conduct reflects on his parents
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to think, meditate, or ponder
Related Words
See study.
Other Word Forms
- interreflect verb
- misreflect verb
- nonreflected adjective
- reflectedly adverb
- reflectedness noun
- reflectibility noun
- reflectible adjective
- well-reflected adjective
Etymology
Origin of reflect
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English reflecten, from Latin reflectere “to bend back,” equivalent to re- re- + flectere “to bend”
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.
An OpenAI spokeswoman said the study doesn’t reflect typical health conversations in ChatGPT.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
The commissioned portraits of Parsi elite "reflect the patronage networks and social aspirations of the community" which formed the mercantile fabric of the city in the early 20th century.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
According to its photo policy, images should “match” what’s listed on Airbnb and reflect the “accuracy” of the space.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026
Vanguard Wellington does own some of these, she says, but adds that she’s picky because yields don’t always reflect all the new debt these companies have been taking on.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
He finds the term “African-American” too limiting, since it doesn’t reflect his white and American Indian heritage.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
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.
