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.

“We view the move as reflecting improving confidence in the durability of AI-infrastructure spending,” Arcuri said in a Monday note.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Global vehicle sales fell 2.5% during the period, reflecting challenging market conditions amid slowing global demand and intensifying competition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

But its 6% dividend yield is high, reflecting skepticism in CEO’s Dan Schulman’s turnaround efforts.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

So why isn’t the market reflecting that struggle?

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Outside the sky was full of lights, blue and red reflecting off the clouds and the trees and the sides of our cottage.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

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