reflect
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to cast back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface.
The mirror reflected the light onto the wall.
-
to give back or show an image of; mirror.
-
(of an act or its result) to serve to cast or bring (credit, discredit, etc.) on its performer.
-
to reproduce; show.
followers reflecting the views of the leader.
- Synonyms:
- manifest
-
to throw or cast back; cause to return or rebound.
Her bitterness reflects gloom on all her family.
verb (used without object)
-
to be turned or cast back, as light.
-
to cast back light, heat, etc.
-
to be reflected or mirrored.
-
to give back or show an image.
-
to think, ponder, or meditate.
to reflect on one's virtues and faults.
- Synonyms:
- contemplate, cogitate, consider, muse, deliberate, ruminate, ponder, meditate, think
-
to serve or tend to bring reproach or discredit by association.
His crimes reflected on the whole community.
-
to serve to give a particular aspect or impression.
The test reflects well on your abilities.
verb
-
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
-
(of a mirror, etc) to form an image of (something) by reflection
-
(tr) to show or express
his tactics reflect his desire for power
-
(tr) to bring as a consequence
the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff
-
(intr; foll by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way
her behaviour reflects well on her
-
(intr; foll by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on)
his conduct reflects on his parents
-
to think, meditate, or ponder
Synonym Usage
See study.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
reflectednessnoun
-
interreflectverb
-
reflectibilitynoun
-
misreflectverb
-
reflectibleadjective
-
well-reflectedadjective
-
reflectedlyadverb
-
nonreflectedadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
has reflectedperfect 3rd person singular
-
have reflectedperfect
-
are reflectingprogressive
-
is reflectingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
am reflectingprogressive 1st person singular
-
reflectssingular 3rd person
-
has been reflectingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
have been reflectingperfect progressive
-
reflectingparticiple
Past
-
had reflectedperfect
-
was reflectingprogressive singular
-
were reflectingprogressive plural
-
had been reflectingperfect progressive
-
reflectedparticiple
-
reflectedsimple
Future
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"We reflect our value," he said, pointing to its "technology leadership" and "manufacturing excellence".
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
They only reflect the now because we give them that precision.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Equally, it might reflect other cultural or dietary behaviors that leave similar marks.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
Daiwa increased its 2027 revenue guidance for XPeng by 13% to reflect the revenue contribution from humanoid robots.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Me deciding that Mom would always like her more...and having it reflect on her instead of just on Mom.
From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King
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.
