reflect

verb

ri-FLEKT/ɹɪˈflɛkt/

7 meanings of reflect

1
verbtransitive
To bend back light, heat, or sound from a surface so it travels in a new direction.
Fresh snow reflects so much sunlight that climbers can burn even on cold days.
Carefully aligned mirrors reflect the laser beam along a precise path.
Similarbounce, deflect, return, throw
Oppositeabsorb
Note
The physical sense the rest of the word grows from. Latin reflectō joins re- "again" and flectō "I bend", and it reached English through Old French reflecter, "to bend back, turn back". Reflex shares the root. A reflecting surface sends light away at an angle matching the one it arrived at, instead of absorbing it or letting it pass through. The intransitive partner makes the light itself the subject.
2
verbintransitive
To think seriously about something; to ponder or consider it carefully.
After the funeral, the family gathered to reflect on his long life.
The committee reflected at length before reaching any decision.
Similarponder, consider, contemplate, think, meditate
Note
Thought turned back on a matter keeps the "bend back" root behind the light-bending sense. The verb takes on or upon for its topic. D. S. Barrie wrote in 1939 that one may reflect upon the gap where a viaduct once stood. It can also take a that-clause for the conclusion reached: he reflected that it was the palaver, not the speeches, that strained the nerves.
3
verbtransitive
To show the image of something on a surface, as a mirror does.
The shop windows reflect the busy street outside.
The polished floor reflected the chandelier's light.
Similarmirror, show
Note
Mirroring goes one step beyond bouncing light, because what comes back now carries an image. The same scene can be told two ways: the shop window reflected his image, or his image reflected from the shop window. In the first the surface is the subject and takes an object. In the "be mirrored" use the image is the subject, followed by from, in or off.
4
verbintransitive
Of light, sound, or heat, to be bent back from a surface it strikes.
The afternoon sun reflects off the lake and dazzles drivers.
Radio waves reflect from the upper atmosphere back to the ground.
Similarbounce, glint, rebound
5
verbtransitive
To give evidence of the character or qualities of someone or something.
The city's new parks reflect a real commitment to public health.
His calm response reflected years of training under pressure.
Similarshow, demonstrate, reveal, indicate, display
Note
Here the verb turns evaluative, and its favorite frame is reflect well on: the teacher's ability reflects well on the school. A weightier variant puts a noun in the slot. Cecil J. Allen wrote in 1946 that smooth riding reflected the greatest credit on those who kept the track in order. Without on, the verb simply shows something, as when a victory reflects the captain's abilities.
6
verbintransitive
To appear as a mirrored image on a surface.
The neon signs reflect in the rain-slicked road below.
The mountains reflected in the still morning lake.
7
verbtransitive
To agree with or closely follow something, matching it in form or content.
The final report reflects the team's earlier findings.
These prices reflect current market conditions.
Similarmirror, match, follow, echo

Practice

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Origin

From Old French reflecter ("to bend back, turn back"), from Latin reflectō ("I reflect"), formed from re- ("again") plus flectō ("I bend, I curve"). It is related to English reflex.