reflecting

American

[ri-flek-ting] / rɪˈflɛk tɪŋ /

adjective

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 2026 chart includes 65 entries by living composers, including Hans Zimmer, Rachel Portman and Ludovico Einaudi, reflecting the growing appeal of contemporary classical music.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Progressive Christian voices, including influencer and commentator Tim Whitaker, described the comparison as “blasphemous,” reflecting a broader concern that religious language is being used in ways that distort core theological meaning.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Put simply, the public funds are cheaper, reflecting investor concern about the $1 trillion private-credit market and fund portfolios of the high-rate loans.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“Pricing across consumer products tends to adjust with a lag, reflecting hedging practices and inventory cycles,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy with Saxo Bank, in a note published this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

For the rest of that week, in the back of my mind I was reflecting on what my true goals might be for my Olympic experience.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023