reflect
Americanverb (used with object)
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to cast back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface.
The mirror reflected the light onto the wall.
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to give back or show an image of; mirror.
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(of an act or its result) to serve to cast or bring (credit, discredit, etc.) on its performer.
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to reproduce; show.
followers reflecting the views of the leader.
- Synonyms:
- manifest
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to throw or cast back; cause to return or rebound.
Her bitterness reflects gloom on all her family.
verb (used without object)
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to be turned or cast back, as light.
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to cast back light, heat, etc.
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to be reflected or mirrored.
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to give back or show an image.
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to think, ponder, or meditate.
to reflect on one's virtues and faults.
- Synonyms:
- contemplate, cogitate, consider, muse, deliberate, ruminate, ponder, meditate, think
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to serve or tend to bring reproach or discredit by association.
His crimes reflected on the whole community.
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to serve to give a particular aspect or impression.
The test reflects well on your abilities.
verb
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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
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(of a mirror, etc) to form an image of (something) by reflection
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(tr) to show or express
his tactics reflect his desire for power
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(tr) to bring as a consequence
the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff
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(intr; foll by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way
her behaviour reflects well on her
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(intr; foll by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on)
his conduct reflects on his parents
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to think, meditate, or ponder
Related Words
See study.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reflect
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English reflecten, from Latin reflectere “to bend back,” equivalent to re- re- + flectere “to bend”
Explanation
Something that reflects comes back to you. If you look in a mirror, you will see your reflected image. If you reflect on your past experiences, you look at them once again thoughtfully. Reflect also means to give evidence of the character or quality of something. Most parents want their children to reflect their own strengths by emulating their behavior. A set of telling statistics could reflect the buying trends in an economic cycle. Reflecting can mean seeing something original in another form or image.
Vocabulary lists containing reflect
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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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.
Advice from an ex-refugee: Reflect on your gut.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026
Appeared in the January 20, 2026, print edition as 'Pacific Islands Reflect Potential U.S.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026
Reflect deeply on what made Boeing the dominant all-star for so many years.
From Seattle Times • May 16, 2024
It comes as Essex Police launches its Reflect campaign around the issue of consent.
From BBC • Dec. 11, 2023
“It does, doesn’t it? Reflect what isn’t here. Add the water, Ben. Water makes it clean, special.”
From "Towers Falling" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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.
