reflecting

[ri-flek-ting]

adjective

1. casting back light, heat, sound, etc., from a surface.

   An echo is heard when the reflecting surface is at a considerable distance from both the speaker and the hearer.

2. having a mirrorlike effect; giving back or showing an image.

   The most memorable feature of Hadrian’s Villa for me was the reflecting pool at the back, surrounded by ruins and statues.

3. thinking, pondering, or meditating.

   It is apparent to every reflecting mind that a crisis has arisen which requires the consideration and action of every peace-loving citizen.

noun

1. an act or instance of casting back light, heat, etc., of giving back an image, or of showing or reproducing something.

   This room feels almost like it's under the sea; the mirror mimics the reflecting of the water.

2. an act or instance of thinking, pondering, or meditating.

   We have been doing some reflecting on the year that has just passed.

Other Word Forms

• reflectingly adverb
• nonreflecting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reflecting¹

First recorded in 1525–35; reflect ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; reflect ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses

Example Sentences

The Justice Department said the second indictment remained a legitimate charging document that had been endorsed by the grand jury foreperson as accurately reflecting the group’s vote on charges for Comey.

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In October, largely reflecting data before the sanctions began to bite, Russia’s monthly fossil fuel export revenues fell to their lowest level since the invasion.

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Despite recent stock declines, MP Materials shares were up 263% year to date through Thursday, reflecting interest in the domestic rare-earth industry.

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In 2006, two years after he died, she wrote another New York Times essay, reflecting new life lessons.

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Lee said the “drip” lower for the last few weeks in crypto is reflecting the damage done to these market makers.

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Related Words

• analytical 
• attentive 
• cerebral 
• earnest 
• melancholy 
• pensive 
• rational 
• reasonable 
• reflective 
• serious 
• sober 
• studious 
• wise