reflect

verb

re·flect | \ ri-ˈflekt

reflected; reflecting; reflects

Definition of reflect

transitive verb

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

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

3 : to bend or fold back

4 : 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, consider

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

The actress also reflected on her pregnancy in a 2008 interview with Harper's BAZAAR. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Bridget Moynahan Reveals How Her Public Breakup With Tom Brady Affected Her Pregnancy," 4 Apr. 2019 By distinguishing the aesthetic differences of each of her homes, the lifestyles are categorized to reflect the way Martha lives, entertains, and decorates in each respective space. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "You Can Now Live Like Martha Stewart With Her New Lifestyle Lines," 21 Mar. 2019 Later, motifs evolved to reflect Christian symbols, such as a cross or fish. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, "The History of Easter Eggs and Why They're Decorated," 25 Feb. 2019 The changes in business dress are being reflected on retail floors. — Ray A. Smith, WSJ, "Dressing for Deals, Wall Street Bankers Face Fashion Pitfalls," 12 Jan. 2019 Ayanna Pressley reflected on the journey that brought her from Massachusetts to D.C. in photos. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Next Generation of Congresswomen Takes Office," 3 Jan. 2019 The two recent launch contracts with the Japanese company reflect confidence in the reliability of its service, Dickinson said. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Entering a crowded market, Japan’s new rocket scores an early win," 21 Dec. 2018 Now, in a candid post on Instagram, Union is reflecting on the emotional journey the couple took to get there. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "Gabrielle Union on What It’s Like to Have a Baby After Multiple Miscarriages," 3 Dec. 2018 Even the newer pieces worn this week reflected a newfound focus on classics and heritage. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "This Week, Stars Revisited the Classics and Made the Most of Vintage," 18 Mar. 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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Last Updated

15 Apr 2019

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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