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definitions

reflect

[ri-flekt]
See more synonyms for reflect on Thesaurus.com
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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Origin of reflect

1350–1400; Middle English reflecten < Latin reflectere to bend back, equivalent to re- re- + flectere to bend
Related formsre·flect·ed·ly, adverbre·flect·ed·ness, nounre·flect·i·bil·i·ty, nounre·flect·i·ble, adjectivere·flect·ing·ly, adverbin·ter·re·flect, verbmis·re·flect, verbnon·re·flect·ed, adjectivenon·re·flect·ing, adjectivewell-re·flect·ed, adjective

Synonyms for reflect

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4. manifest. 6. rebound. 10. ruminate, deliberate, muse, consider, cogitate, contemplate. See study.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for reflected

returned, repeated, emulated

Examples from the Web for reflected

Contemporary Examples of reflected

Historical Examples of reflected

  • Still he reflected that he would be unable to get out, and in the morning he could go for the constable.

    Brave and Bold

    Horatio Alger

  • Every motion in his great soul was reflected in his face and form.

    The Grand Old Man

    Richard B. Cook

  • Her smile of recollection was reflected in the faces of her friends.

  • Garson reflected for a few seconds, then made a gesture of negation.

    Within the Law

    Marvin Dana

  • But she had never said Cecil was a man, she reflected, with what comfort she could.

British Dictionary definitions for reflected

reflect

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 expresshis tactics reflect his desire for power
  4. (tr) to bring as a consequencethe 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 wayher 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. (intr usually foll by on) to think, meditate, or ponder

Word Origin for reflect

C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend; see flex
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
Word Origin and History for reflected

reflect

v.

late 14c., "turn or bend back;" early 15c., "to divert, to turn aside, deflect," from Old French reflecter (14c.), from Latin reflectere "bend back, turn back" (see reflection). Of mirrors or polished surfaces, to shine back light rays or images, early 15c.; meaning "to turn one's thoughts back on" is c.1600. Related: Reflected; reflecting.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
reflected in Medicine

reflect

[rĭ-flĕkt′]
v.
  1. To bend back.
  2. To throw or bend back light, heat, or sound from a surface.
  3. To think seriously.
  4. To send back a motor impulse in response to a sensory stimulus.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.