reflecting

American  

[ri-flek-ting] / rɪˈflɛk tɪŋ /

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.

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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

• 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

“Management succession planning remains a top priority for the board, reflecting its importance to business continuity and long-term shareholder value,” Disney Chairman James Gorman wrote in a letter to shareholders.

From Los Angeles Times

Data earlier this week showed inflation climbing more than expected in December, while unemployment remained near pandemic-era highs toward the end of last year, reflecting further negative signals for consumer confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal

TOKYO—Japan’s consumer prices rose at a slower pace in the final month of 2025, reflecting government measures and the peaking of food inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Additional investigators came from institutions across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia, reflecting the global scope of the research effort.

From Science Daily

While many economists expect the BOJ to tighten policy every six months, markets have begun pricing in higher odds of an April hike, reflecting the yen’s sharp depreciation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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