reflect

verb

re·​flect ri-ˈflekt How to pronounce reflect (audio)
reflected; reflecting; reflects

transitive verb

1
: to block and redirect (light, sound, etc.)
A mirror reflects light.
2
: to give back or exhibit (something or someone) as an image, likeness, or outline : mirror
The clouds were reflected in the water.
3
: to cause (something, such as honor or credit) to be attributed or associated
used with on or upon
His attitude reflects little credit on his judgment.
4
: to make (something) manifest or apparent : show
The painting reflects her artistic vision.
His restless journeying is reflected in his accent, which hovers somewhere above Boston, New Zealand and Australia …Nick Galvin
5
: realize, consider
She was disappointed that the team lost, but reflected that their offense had improved.
"It was an interesting experience," he reflected.
6
: to bend or fold (something) back
The skin of the dorsum of the foot was removed and fascia reflected to expose the tendons …J. S. Luckrajh et al.
7
archaic : to turn (something) into or away from a course : deflect

intransitive verb

1
a
: to throw back light or sound
A highly polished mirror reflects better than a dull one.
b
: to be thrown back from a surface
used of light, sound, etc.
usually used with off or from
The sunlight reflected off of the river.
Owing to the abundance of light reflected from the white and glittering surface, no shadows were cast on any part …Charles Darwin
… the measure of sound reflected from the deep …Helen Scales
2
a
: to think quietly and calmly
She sat quietly and reflected for a while.
Take time to reflect before making a decision.
often used with on or upon
Afterwards, he reflected on the experience.
b
: to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection (see reflection sense 7)
often used with on or upon
listened to him reflect on the day's events
Things took a poignant turn, however, when they delivered an emotional speech reflecting on their recent strides toward living authentically as a genderqueer and nonbinary person.Curtis M. Wong
3
a
: to cause something or someone to be thought of in a specified way
usually used with on or upon
In a tourist destination …, anything unsightly, anything unattractive, reflects badly on the whole community.Steven Mayer
Nebraska Deputy Education Commissioner Deborah Frison said earning a perfect score reflects well on both the students themselves and their support system.Erin Bamer
b
: to tend to bring reproach or discredit
usually used with on or upon
"… They said that it was sheer rudeness not to ask her, and that it reflected on us all …"Lucy Maud Montgomery
Some leaders claim that until they shout, their team doesn't take them seriously, but … this reflects more on the leader than the led.Abiola Salami
c
archaic : to have a bearing or influence
This is the atmosphere I have to picture; the condition of the times as it reflected on the growth of the church, and the condition of the church as it reflected on the growth of civilization in this city.William Denison Lyman
4
: to become mirrored : to produce a mirrorlike image
usually used with in or on
The moon reflected on the water.
As you stand below and look up, you see this dramatic pie-slice of sky reflecting in the glassy facades on either side of the notch.Steven Litt
Choose the Right Synonym for reflect

think, cogitate, reflect, reason, speculate, deliberate mean to use one's powers of conception, judgment, or inference.

think is general and may apply to any mental activity, but used alone often suggests attainment of clear ideas or conclusions.

teaches students how to think

cogitate implies deep or intent thinking.

cogitated on the mysteries of nature

reflect suggests unhurried consideration of something recalled to the mind.

reflecting on fifty years of married life

reason stresses consecutive logical thinking.

able to reason brilliantly in debate

speculate implies reasoning about things theoretical or problematic.

speculated on the fate of the lost explorers

deliberate suggests slow or careful reasoning before forming an opinion or reaching a conclusion or decision.

the jury deliberated for five hours

Examples of reflect in a Sentence

The old church is reflected in the glass exterior of the skyscraper. Her book clearly reflects her beliefs. Where you learned a language is reflected in your accent.
Recent Examples on the Web Despite this success, Zamani reflects on his dismay within the conventional capitalist framework that prioritizes profit over purpose. Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Most of those swings reflected, and sometimes led, national trends. Nancy C. Unger / Made By History, TIME, 28 Oct. 2024 The nudity in that first episode reflects the mindset that will set Agatha on a quest down the dangerous Witches' Road in search of those things. Christian Holub, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2024 Yet, amidst the darkness, a sense of resilience and a sense of hope shines through, reflecting an indomitable spirit. Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for reflect 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reflect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 7

Time Traveler
The first known use of reflect was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near reflect

Cite this Entry

“Reflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflect. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

reflect

verb
re·​flect ri-ˈflekt How to pronounce reflect (audio)
1
: to bend or throw back waves of light, sound, or heat
a polished surface reflects light
2
: to give back an image or likeness of as if by a mirror
3
: to bring as a result
4
: to cast disapproval or blame
our bad conduct reflects upon our training
5
: to think seriously and carefully : meditate

Medical Definition

reflect

transitive verb
re·​flect ri-ˈflekt How to pronounce reflect (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on reflect

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!