reflect

re·flect

verb \ri-ˈflekt\

Definition of REFLECT

transitive verb

1

archaic : to turn into or away from a course : deflect

2

: to prevent passage of and cause to change direction <a mirror reflects light>

3

: to bend or fold back

4

: to give back or exhibit as an image, likeness, or outline : mirror <the clouds were reflected in the water>

5

: to bring or cast as a result <his attitude reflects little credit on his judgment>

6

: to make manifest or apparent : show <the painting reflects his artistic vision> <the pulse reflects the condition of the heart>

7

: realize, consider

intransitive verb

1

: to throw back light or sound

2

a : to think quietly and calmly

b : to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection

3

a : to tend to bring reproach or discredit <an investigation that reflects on all the members of the department>

b : to bring about a specified appearance or characterization <an act which reflects well on her>

c : to have a bearing or influence

Examples of REFLECT

1. The old church is reflected in the glass exterior of the skyscraper.
2. Her book clearly reflects her beliefs.
3. Where you learned a language is reflected in your accent.

Origin of REFLECT

Middle English, from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to REFLECT

Synonyms

image, mirror

Related Words

clone, copy, duplicate, imitate, reduplicate, repeat, replicate, reproduce

See Synonym Discussion at think

Rhymes with REFLECT

abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, collect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked

re·flect

transitive verb \ri-ˈflekt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of REFLECT

1

: to bend or fold back : impart a backward curve, bend, or fold to

2

: to push or lay aside (as tissue or an organ) during surgery in order to gain access to the part to be operated on <the pleura were reflected and later closed over the stump>

intransitive verb

: to throw back light or sound : return rays, beams, or waves