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

Reuters Chip companies led by market cap leader Nvidia were set to extend losses on Wednesday after a bruising sell-off in the previous session, reflecting the growing concern on Wall Street over the stocks' lofty valuations as AI optimism cools. —USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024

Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of TIME editors. —Tithi Bhattacharya / Made By History, TIME, 4 Sep. 2024

Editor's note: This story was corrected to reflect that part of Vasquez's career was spent at the Department of Defense (not in the military). —Megan Morrone, Axios, 4 Sep. 2024

In a news release, Chief Financial Officer Jeff Davis said the company cut the forecast to reflect softer sales and costs associated with converting 99 Cents Only stores. —Melissa Repko, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2024

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

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