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View synonyms for reflect

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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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
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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”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reflect1

C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend; see flex
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Synonym Study

See study.
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Example Sentences

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

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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reflationreflectance