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.
But, Goldberger goes on, “neither Trump’s arch nor his redone reflecting pool nor his gaggle of statues is a meaningful new layer of history.”
From Slate • May 18, 2026
Shares of closed-end fund Destiny Tech100 have been whipsawed this week, reflecting the promise and peril of trying to access stocks before their IPOs.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026
Cerebras shares closed 68% above their IPO price on Thursday, reflecting enthusiasm in the market “for a new type of semi company with an impressive product,” D.A.
From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026
That has been even slower in recent years, reflecting stagnant living standards.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Andre stares down at his postcard from Cuba, light reflecting off his watery eyes.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
