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. to think, meditate, or ponder

Other Word Forms

• reflectedly adverb
• reflectedness noun
• reflectibility noun
• reflectible adjective
• interreflect verb
• misreflect verb
• nonreflected adjective
• well-reflected adjective

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflect¹

C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from _re- + flectere to bend; see _flex

Synonym Study

See study.

Example Sentences

“They reflect a broader pattern: companies making rushed public commitments only after harm has occurred,” said Adam Billen, vice president of public policy at Encode AI, a youth-led activist coalition advocating for AI safety.

From Los Angeles Times

As previously announced, the float’s design is meant to reflect values that “Star Trek” champions: hope, inclusivity, exploration and unity.

From Los Angeles Times

But choosing a “healthy” vacancy rate — one that reflects a functional housing market — and then backing out the number of additional homes needed to hit it, is more art than science.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's nice to reflect sometimes and see the journey that you've been on," she said.

From BBC

The Saudi government’s General Entertainment Authority, the body producing the festival, said the event “reflects the efforts to amplify Riyadh’s status as a leading destination for major cultural and artistic events.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• display 
• express 
• indicate 
• manifest 
• reveal 
• show