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
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.
He’s in a vested suit, his mask, a sort of triangular sundial, reflecting light off of the candles at a head table.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026
On the 40th anniversary of Ferguson's decision to leave Aberdeen, some of those at the centre of the events have been reflecting on the day.
From BBC ● Nov. 6, 2026
However, smartphone shipments likely fell, reflecting strict volume control as management shifts the product mix toward higher-end models.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
Instead of reflecting a system that has simply stopped distinguishing between different memories, these responses might involve a brain mechanism that shifts too quickly from recognizing safety to anticipating danger.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2026
I imagined the school truancy officers—Recruiters, we called them—coming for us, noses to the wind, sunglasses reflecting the row of houses behind which we were nestled in our wooden dream home.
From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
