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.

This Music May Contain Hope fuses old-school jazz with an orchestra, blues, big band and soul, reflecting what Raye told the BBC last year.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“Pricing across consumer products tends to adjust with a lag, reflecting hedging practices and inventory cycles,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy with Saxo Bank, in a note published this week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Put simply, the public funds are cheaper, reflecting investor concern about the $1 trillion private-credit market and fund portfolios of the high-rate loans.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Late last month, Intel announced new commercial personal-computer chips that will be built on its advanced 18A process node, reflecting confidence in its chip-manufacturing capabilities.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Then she stopped and faced Ben, the kitchen light reflecting off one lens of her glasses, and said, “What about Toomer, Ben?”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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