reflecting

[ ri-flek-ting ]

/ rɪˈflɛk tɪŋ /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: reflecting / reflectings on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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.

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.

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

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.

an act or instance of thinking, pondering, or meditating:We have been doing some reflecting on the year that has just passed.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of reflecting

reflect + -ing² for the adjective senses; reflect + -ing¹ for the noun senses

OTHER WORDS FROM reflecting

re·flect·ing·ly, adverbnon·re·flect·ing, adjective

Words nearby reflecting

reflate, reflation, reflect, reflectance, reflected plan, reflecting, reflecting telescope, reflection, reflection density, reflection nebula, reflection plane

How to use reflecting in a sentence

The numbers reflect the verdict of the people, not a decision by the secretary of state’s office or of courts or of either campaign.
Live updates: Georgia secretary of state issues correction, saying certification of its general election results is still under way|John Wagner, Colby Itkowitz, Michelle Lee|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
They gathered around their computers, to reflect on what tragedies written 2,500 years ago portended for their own crucial modern-day roles.
During a pandemic, the medical profession turns to Greek tragedy — to heal|Peter Marks|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Because school numbers reflect covid infections that could have been picked up anywhere, our baseline assumption should be that school infection rates would at least mirror community infection rates.
Schools are not spreading covid-19. This new data explains why.|Emily Oster|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
They aren’t inexpensive, either, but they are well-made and at least reflect the chef’s theme.
At Moon Rabbit, chef Kevin Tien lures fans to the Wharf|Tom Sietsema|November 20, 2020|Washington Post

Residente, of Calle 13 fame, took home song of the year for his deeply personal track “René,” which reflects on the Puerto Rican rapper’s own mental health struggles.
Latin Grammys 2020: 5 things you missed, from Bad Bunny’s performance to Pitbull honoring front-line workers|Bethonie Butler|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Ultimately, reflecting other people's reaction was highly effective.
The Right's Rape Trolls vs. Lena Dunham|Emily Shire|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Traditional coach seats gave the illusion of comfortable padding but were angular, not reflecting body shapes.
Flying Coach Is the New Hell: How Airlines Engineer You Out of Room|Clive Irving|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“The whole ordeal gave me a thicker skin,” she said, reflecting on the incident.
Whip It: Secrets of a Dominatrix|Justin Jones|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I love The Affair for bravely reflecting back to us that murky grey area of not knowing.
Why You’re Happily Married and Having an Affair|Ryan Selzer|November 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The way these pictures were taken show a great deal of systematicity, reflecting a culture that is systematic in its approach.
U.S.: Assad’s ‘Machinery of Death’ Worst Since the Nazis|Josh Rogin|July 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And then he walked about the room, reflecting on the curse of his life—his besetting sin—irresolution.
Elster's Folly|Mrs. Henry Wood
Odd differences, reflecting differences of intelligence, show themselves in the management of this diagram of the human face.
Children's Ways|James Sully
Rabecque, reflecting his master's mood—as becomes a good lackey—rode silent and gloomy a pace or two in the rear.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
For a full hour he sat there immovable as a statue, reflecting, ever recalling the details of those events.
The Doctor of Pimlico|William Le Queux
He sat calmly reflecting, wondering and wondering what possible charge could be made against him.
The Doctor of Pimlico|William Le Queux