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

"It's a fundamental part of me. I'm always reflecting," he says.

From BBC

There isn’t a day that goes by without Dodgen-Magee reflecting on her lost family members and how the tragedy has shaped her life.

From Salon

Techniques are passed down through generations, with geometric patterns on many mochilas reflecting clan identity, spirituality, and the natural world.

From BBC

People in the area have been reflecting upon what happened and sharing their hopes and concerns moving forwards.

From BBC

Howe was not suddenly getting misty-eyed, but reflecting on the work that was needed to improve the club's tired Benton base following his appointment nearly four years ago.

From BBC

Related Words

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