reflect

verb

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re·flect | \ ri-ˈflekt

reflected; reflecting; reflects

Definition of reflect

transitive verb

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

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

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

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

5 : realize, consider

6 : to bend or fold back

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

intransitive verb

1 : to throw back light or sound

2a : to think quietly and calmly

b : to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection

3a : 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 Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reflect

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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 Even though China’s air quality has deteriorated in some parts of the country over the past few years, the markedly divergent trends in Delhi and Beijing appear to reflect differences in the two governments’ ability to combat pollution. — Washington Post, "The satellite images that help explain why Delhi’s air remains toxic and Beijing’s is getting better," 6 Nov. 2019 Borikén Juke Joint wants to reflect Lorain County in everything from its menu to its decor, said Adorno. — Anne Nickoloff, cleveland, "Borikén Juke Joint brings new flavors to downtown Lorain," 6 Nov. 2019 If the United Kingdom isn’t getting research funding from Brussels, but from its own treasury, then the government may want this funding to reflect domestic political priorities. — Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, "Report sketches vision for U.K. research after Brexit," 5 Nov. 2019 These over-the-top passages would seem to reflect Aciman’s insistence on honoring passion without judgment. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, "The Call Me by Your Name Dream Continues," 4 Nov. 2019 Your countertops need to reflect your personal sense of style and beauty while also providing durability. — Jeff Reina, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Choosing the right countertop when remodeling," 2 Nov. 2019 This story has been updated to reflect formal announcements from the Trump administration. — Lev Facher, STAT, "Trump nominates MD Anderson’s Stephen Hahn to lead FDA," 1 Nov. 2019 This Must Be the Place, to reflect her and their relationship. — Belathée, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kimmy Scotti and Adam Metzger's Halloween Wedding Was a Garden of Eden of Good & Evil," 31 Oct. 2019 Their responses didn’t seem to reflect a perception of octave structure at all. — Quanta Magazine, "Perceptions of Musical Octaves Are Learned, Not Wired in the Brain," 30 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for reflect

Last Updated

11 Nov 2019

Time Traveler for reflect

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

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More Definitions for reflect

reflect

verb

English Language Learners Definition of reflect

of light, sound, etc. : to move in one direction, hit a surface, and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction

: to show the image of (something) on a surface

: to show (something) : to make (something) known

See the full definition for reflect in the English Language Learners Dictionary

reflect

verb

re·flect | \ ri-ˈflekt

reflected; reflecting

Kids Definition of reflect

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 in the manner of a mirror The clouds were reflected in the water.

3 : to make known The book reflects her beliefs.

4 : to cause to be thought of in a specified way or in a bad way Your poor behavior reflects on the whole class.

5 : to think seriously and carefully about I reflected on the problem.

reflect

transitive verb

re·flect | \ ri-ˈflekt

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

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