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.
The company raises its full-year outlook, reflecting higher-than-expected revenue growth in electrification, as well as further margin expansion at power and electrification.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
“We view the move as reflecting improving confidence in the durability of AI-infrastructure spending,” Arcuri said in a Monday note.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
AT&T’s free cash flow was $2.5 billion in the first quarter, down from $3.1 billion a year before, reflecting the company’s stepped-up investments.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
Despite their differences, the two measures have moved largely in tandem over the past 25 years, reflecting the fact that PCE relies heavily on CPI data.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
They lie staring up at the chandelier, the light reflecting over the crystals turning it into the night sky without need of any illusion.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
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.
