reflecting

American

[ri-flek-ting] / rɪˈflɛk tɪŋ /

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.

Other Word Forms

nonreflecting adjective
reflectingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of reflecting

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Over five episodes filmed across the UK, the series will capture the rich diversity of life in Britain's back gardens while also reflecting on how the public can do their bit to save struggling species.

From BBC

In 2025, the Philippine economy grew at its weakest pace in five years, reflecting the impact of the controversy, trade uncertainty and lingering structural issues.

From The Wall Street Journal

Official figures on the number of children living in poverty in the UK are expected to be revised down over concerns they have not been accurately reflecting household income.

From BBC

Healthcare accounted for all the net job growth in the past 12 months, reflecting the needs of an aging society.

From The Wall Street Journal

The key is separating emotional attachment from practical need, and reflecting honestly on whether housing costs support current lifestyle rather than past identity.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023