reflect on
Idioms-
Consider or think carefully about, as in She reflected on her country's role in history . [c. 1600] A closely related phrase is on due reflection , meaning “after careful consideration.” For example, On due reflection I decided to vote for the incumbent .
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reflect on one . Give evidence of one's qualities, as in The hasty preparation of this report will reflect on you . [Second half of 1600s]
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.
Pressed over whether the prime minister should step aside, Rayner said: "Keir will have to reflect on that."
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Both mother and daughter reflect on the troubles besetting their own family, as the mother tries to write a novel.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
In the second trimester’s relative calm, I decided I wanted a new project—one that would force me to slow down and reflect on how I’ve been parenting.
From Slate • May 10, 2026
It gives us a chance to reflect on what we owe young Americans versus the importance of going for the absolute “best product” on the court or in the classroom.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
You could always take it home with you and reflect on it while sitting, say, in the out-going water in the bathtub.
From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger
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.
