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 all synonyms and antonyms

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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