reflect

verb

re·​flect ri-ˈflekt 

reflected; reflecting; reflects

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

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

Synonyms

• image
• mirror

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

Some underground objects can reflect radar waves away from the receiving antenna, which means that archaeologists will never see them. —WIRED, 28 Sep. 2023

Hourglass Scattered Light Eyeshadow Hourglass’s Scattered Light Eyeshadow is a fun date night accessory thanks to a swash of sparkle that’s easy to apply: just a few dabs of product onto your eyelid, and the pearls will reflect light beautifully. —Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 28 Sep. 2023

Clyde Gibbs, a medical examiner specialist with the office of the chief medical examiner, has since updated the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System to reflect the new development in Kesler's case. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2023

But the shift reflects a change in national mood, especially among the white voters who make up the vast majority of the GOP. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023

The dueling appearances reflect what will likely be a chief dynamic of the 2024 general election, which is increasingly looking like a rematch between Trump and Biden. —Jill Colvin, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2023

The video then cuts to scenes of Akon reflecting on the actions that made his girlfriend — played by The Vampire Diaries actress Kat Graham — leave him suddenly with no explanation. —Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2023

The United Nations itself, the efforts of its constituent members, the ethos of collective action it is supposed to inculcate — all of this reflects its central role as a linchpin in a multilateral world order, built on institutions set up in the wake of World War II. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 19 Sep. 2023

Grammy-winning songstress Sheryl Crow reflected on her decision to relocate from Hollywood to Nashville during her performance at Sea. —Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2023

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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

Phrases Containing reflect

• reflect credit on

• reflect credit on

Kids Definition

reflect

verb

re·​flect ri-ˈflekt 

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 

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