Main Entry:

re·flect

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈflekt\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

15th century

transitive verb1archaic : to turn into or away from a course : deflect2: to prevent passage of and cause to change direction <a mirror reflects light>3: to bend or fold back4: 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, considerintransitive verb1: to throw back light or sound2 a: to think quietly and calmly b: to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection3 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

synonyms see think