reflecting
Americanadjective
-
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
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.
Ford posted second-quarter revenue of $48.3 billion, down 4% from a year ago, reflecting lower wholesale volumes plagued by ongoing aluminum supply constraints and the “right-sizing” of EV sales, the carmaker said.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026
“Mercedes share of the equity result of BBAC, the main China JV, swung to a negative 560 million euros in 2Q26 from a positive 115 million euros in 1Q26, reflecting the impact of the impairment.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
Talking to Maya ahead of the reveal during the live final, 28-year-old Lorenzo said he had "never met someone who feels so well matched to me" when reflecting on his relationship with Julia.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
A new crop of leaders has emerged, reflecting Silicon Valley’s vast influence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Our bug-out is a small A-frame structure—the mirrored side walls slope so that they reflect the higher reaches of trees, instead of reflecting people who might be approaching.
From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
