Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense reflects, present participle reflecting, past tense, past participle reflected
1. verb
If something reflects an attitude or situation, it shows that the attitude or situation exists or it shows what it is like.
This conference with all of you here reflects the unity of our nation. [VERB noun]
Concern at the economic situation was reflected in the government's budget. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: show, reveal, express, display More Synonyms of reflect
2. verb
When light, heat, or other rays reflect off a surface or when a surface reflects them, they are sent back from the surface and do not pass through it.
The sun reflected off the snow-covered mountains. [VERB preposition]
The glass appears to reflect light naturally. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: throw back, return, mirror, echo More Synonyms of reflect
3. verb [usually passive]
When something is reflected in a mirror or in water, you can see its image in the mirror or in the water.
His image seemed to be reflected many times in the mirror. [beVERB-ed]
4. verb
When you reflecton something, you think deeply about it.
We should all give ourselves time to reflect. [VERB]
I reflected on the child's future. [VERB + on/upon]
Synonyms: consider, think, contemplate, deliberate More Synonyms of reflect
5. verb
You can use reflect to indicate that a particular thought occurs to someone.
Things were very much changed since before the war, he reflected. [VERB that]
6. verb
If an action or situation reflects in a particular way on someone or something, it gives people a good or bad impression of them.
The affair hardly reflected well on the British. [V adv + on]
Your behavior as a teacher outside of school hours reflects on the school. [VERB + on]
reflect in British English
(rɪˈflɛkt)
verb
1.
to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which light, other electromagnetic radiation, sound, particles, etc, are thrown back after impinging on a surface
2.
(of a mirror, etc) to form an image of (something) by reflection
3. (transitive)
to show or express
his tactics reflect his desire for power
4. (transitive)
to bring as a consequence
the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff
5. (intr; foll by on or upon)
to cause to be regarded in a specified way
her behaviour reflects well on her
6. (intr; foll by on or upon)
to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on)
his conduct reflects on his parents
7. (intransitive; usually foll byon)
to think, meditate, or ponder
Word origin
C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend; see flex
reflect in American English
(rɪˈflɛkt)
verb transitive
1.
to bend or throw back (light, heat, or sound)
2.
to give back an image of; mirror or reproduce
3.
to cast or bring back as a consequence
with on
deeds that reflect honor on him
4.
to express or show
skills that reflect years of training
5.
to recollect or realize after thought (that)
6.
to fold or turn back
usually used in pp.
verb intransitive
7.
to be bent or thrown back
light reflecting from the water
8.
to bend or throw back light, heat, sound, etc.
a reflecting surface
9.
a.
to give back an image or likeness
b.
to be mirrored
10.
to think seriously; contemplate (on or upon)
11.
to cast blame or discredit (on or upon)
SIMILAR WORDS: conˈsider, think
Word origin
ME reflecten < MFr reflecter < L reflectere < re-, back + flectere, to bend
Examples of 'reflect' in a sentence
reflect
One person told of how they could still see the graphic images reflected in the train window.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
That reflects a reality but it is not the whole story.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It’s prepared in creative ways that reflect the sensibilities of the chef.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
It did not reflect my real thinking.
The Sun (2016)
It is possible to tell what chemicals are present from the signature of the light they reflect back.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Let your outfit do the talking by reflecting the light so you stand out for all the right reasons.
The Sun (2017)
Did he pause for the remotest moment at the turn of the new year to reflect on how well it had gone?
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The interviewer, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time, seemed mystified.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was not the most helpful of asides, the party management may reflect, although it was at least honest.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is what drama is all about: a highly polished mirror reflecting the realities of a messy, urban world.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You may reflect on motives and influences.
Marius, Richard A Short Guide to Writing About History (1995)
These reflect light and can reduce the appearance of dark circles.
The Sun (2012)
This way the camera stays out of the reflected image providing a cinematic trick!
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They were both reflected in its mirror.
Len Deighton Bomber
That fragmented approach may well reflect the fragmented stewardship of the process under four different ministers.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The tropics absorb more solar energy than they reflect back into space.
Christianity Today (2000)
The polls are beginning to reflect this reality.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Knight constructs a constantly evolving collage by layering the rhythmic play of street lights reflected in glass.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The frustrations of the case have also been reflected in public attitudes.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Our potency as singletons is reflected in the way we are increasingly respected as consumers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This will reflect heat and protect the young fire from getting too much wind.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Painting walls light or neutral colours also reflects light and helps make rooms appear bigger.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Then he looked down at the table reflecting a dark image of his face.
Zindell, David The Broken God (1993)
The master bedroom has a mirrored wall that reflects the panoramic view of the mountains.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Not to mention a legacy that reflects well on me.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The commentary reflects an attitude of intolerance towards fellow pool swimmers less physically capable.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It reflects an outmoded way of thinking.
The Sun (2013)
They will come on quickly and benefit from the reflected heat at the foot of a wall.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Our elected officials should reflect reality.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You may like to reflect that there is no-one who understands fully how a jumbo jet works.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They reflect sunlight back into space, which helps to cool temperatures on the ground.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The way his company is run also reflects the new thinking in China.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
If you're fed up with squinting as the sun reflects off the surf, these are a top option.
The Sun (2012)
In other languages
reflect
British English: reflect /rɪˈflɛkt/ VERB
If something reflects an attitude or situation, it shows that the attitude or situation exists.
His confidence was reflected in his great performance.
American English: reflect
Arabic: يَعْكِس
Brazilian Portuguese: refletir
Chinese: 反射
Croatian: odraziti
Czech: odrážet svědčit o čem
Danish: reflektere
Dutch: weerspiegelen
European Spanish: reflejar
Finnish: heijastaa
French: refléter
German: reflektieren
Greek: αντανακλώ
Italian: riflettere
Japanese: 反射する
Korean: 반사하다
Norwegian: reflektere
Polish: odbić
European Portuguese: refletir
Romanian: a se reflecta
Russian: отражать
Latin American Spanish: reflejar
Swedish: tänka över
Thai: สะท้อนกลับ
Turkish: yansıtmak
Ukrainian: відбивати
Vietnamese: phản chiếu
All related terms of 'reflect'
reflect diversity
The diversity of something is the fact that it contains many very different elements.
reflect a culture
The culture of a particular organization or group consists of the habits of the people in it and the way they generally behave .
reflect expectations
Your expectations are your strong hopes or beliefs that something will happen or that you will get something that you want .
reflect the mood
The mood of a group of people is the way that they think and feel about an idea, event, or question at a particular time.
reflect the nature of
The nature of something is its basic quality or character.
Chinese translation of 'reflect'
reflect
(rɪˈflɛkt)
vt
(= bounce back)
[image]映出 (yìngchū)
[light, heat]反射 (fǎnshè)
(= mirror)[situation, attitude]反映 (fǎnyìng)
vi
(= think) 沉思 (chénsī)
1 (verb)
Definition
to show
Concern was reflected in the government's budget.
Synonyms
show
She had enough time to show her gratitude.
reveal
A grey carpet was removed to reveal the pine floor.
express
He expressed his anger in a destructive way.
display
It's not often that I display my true feelings.
indicate
The survey indicated that most old people are independent.
demonstrate
Have they demonstrated a commitment to democracy?
exhibit
He has exhibited signs of anxiety and stress.
communicate
manifest
He's only convincing when that inner fury manifests itself.
bear out
bespeak
Her arrogant expression bespeaks a desire to become queen of all she surveys.
evince (formal)
He had never, hitherto, evinced any particular interest in economic matters.
2 (verb)
Definition
(of a mirror) to form an image of (something) by reflection
The glass appears to reflect light naturally.
Synonyms
throw back
return
They promised to return the money.
mirror
His own shock was mirrored in her face.
echo
Many phrases in the last chapter echo earlier passages.
reproduce
The effect has proved hard to reproduce.
imitate
a precedent which may be imitated by other activists
give back
3 (verb)
Definition
to consider carefully
I reflected on the child's future.
Synonyms
consider
Consider how much you can afford to pay.
think
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to think.
contemplate
He lay in his hospital bed and cried as he contemplated his future.
deliberate
The jury deliberated for two hours before returning with the verdict.
muse
Many of the papers mused on the fate of the President.
He lay and mused in the warm sunlight.
ponder
He didn't waste time pondering the question.
meditate
I was meditating, and reached a higher state of consciousness.
mull over
She had been mulling over the idea of making a movie.
ruminate
I had time to ruminate as I drove along.
cogitate
He was silent as he cogitated on what she had just said.
wonder
I wonder what he's up to.
We were wondering where you were.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of bespeak
Definition
to indicate or suggest
Her arrogant expression bespeaks a desire to become queen of all she surveys.
Synonyms
indicate,
show,
suggest,
evidence,
reveal,
display,
predict,
imply,
exhibit,
proclaim,
signify,
denote,
testify to,
foretell,
evince (formal),
betoken
in the sense of cogitate
Definition
to think deeply about (something)
He was silent as he cogitated on what she had just said.
Synonyms
think,
consider,
reflect,
contemplate,
deliberate,
muse,
ponder,
meditate,
mull over,
ruminate
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to think deeply about
He lay in his hospital bed and cried as he contemplated his future.
Synonyms
think about,
consider,
ponder,
mull over,
reflect upon,
ruminate (upon),
meditate on,
brood over,
muse over,
deliberate over,
revolve or turn over in your mind
Synonyms of 'reflect'
reflect
Explore 'reflect' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of deliberate
Definition
to consider (something) deeply
The jury deliberated for two hours before returning with the verdict.
Synonyms
consider,
think,
ponder,
discuss,
debate,
reflect,
consult,
weigh,
meditate,
mull over,
ruminate,
cogitate
in the sense of demonstrate
Definition
to show or prove by reasoning or evidence
Have they demonstrated a commitment to democracy?
Synonyms
show,
evidence,
express,
display,
indicate,
exhibit,
manifest,
make clear or plain,
flag up
in the sense of display
Definition
to reveal or make evident
It's not often that I display my true feelings.
Synonyms
demonstrate,
show,
reveal,
register,
expose,
disclose,
betray,
manifest,
divulge,
make known,
evidence,
evince (formal)
in the sense of echo
Definition
(of people) to repeat or imitate (what someone else has said)
Many phrases in the last chapter echo earlier passages.
Synonyms
recall,
reflect,
copy,
mirror,
resemble,
reproduce,
parrot,
imitate,
reiterate,
ape
in the sense of evince
Definition
to show or display (a quality or feeling) clearly
He had never, hitherto, evinced any particular interest in economic matters.
Synonyms
show,
evidence,
reveal,
establish,
express,
display,
indicate,
demonstrate,
exhibit,
make clear,
manifest,
signify,
attest,
bespeak,
betoken,
make evident
in the sense of exhibit
Definition
to show (a quality or feeling)
He has exhibited signs of anxiety and stress.
Synonyms
show,
reveal,
display,
demonstrate,
air,
evidence,
express,
indicate,
disclose,
manifest,
evince (formal),
make clear or plain
in the sense of express
Definition
to show (an idea or feeling)
He expressed his anger in a destructive way.
Synonyms
show,
indicate,
exhibit,
demonstrate,
reveal,
disclose,
intimate,
convey,
testify to,
depict,
designate,
manifest,
embody,
signify,
symbolize,
denote,
divulge,
bespeak,
make known,
evince (formal)
in the sense of imitate
Definition
to copy the manner or style of, or take as a model
a precedent which may be imitated by other activists
Synonyms
copy,
follow,
repeat,
echo,
emulate,
ape,
simulate,
mirror,
follow suit,
duplicate,
counterfeit,
follow in the footsteps of,
take a leaf out of (someone's) book
in the sense of indicate
Definition
to be or give a sign or symptom of
The survey indicated that most old people are independent.
Synonyms
show,
suggest,
reveal,
display,
signal,
demonstrate,
point to,
imply,
disclose,
manifest,
signify,
denote,
bespeak,
make known,
be symptomatic of,
evince (formal),
betoken,
flag up
in the sense of manifest
Definition
to show by the way one behaves
He's only convincing when that inner fury manifests itself.
Synonyms
display,
show,
reveal,
establish,
express,
prove,
declare,
demonstrate,
expose,
exhibit,
set forth,
make plain,
evince (formal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of meditate
Definition
to think about something deeply
I was meditating, and reached a higher state of consciousness.
Synonyms
reflect,
think,
consider,
contemplate,
deliberate,
muse,
ponder,
ruminate,
cogitate,
be in a brown study,
plan,
design,
scheme,
purpose,
intend,
devise,
have in mind
in the sense of mirror
Definition
to reflect or represent faithfully
His own shock was mirrored in her face.
Synonyms
reflect,
show,
follow,
match,
represent,
copy,
repeat,
echo,
parallel,
depict,
reproduce,
emulate
in the sense of mull over
Definition
to study or ponder
She had been mulling over the idea of making a movie.
Synonyms
ponder,
consider,
study,
think about,
examine,
review,
weigh,
contemplate,
reflect on,
think over,
muse on,
meditate on,
ruminate on,
deliberate on,
turn something over in your mind
in the sense of muse
Definition
to think deeply and at length about
Many of the papers mused on the fate of the President.He lay and mused in the warm sunlight.
Synonyms
ponder,
consider,
reflect,
contemplate,
think,
weigh up,
deliberate,
speculate,
brood,
meditate,
mull over,
think over,
ruminate,
cogitate,
be lost in thought,
be in a brown study
in the sense of ponder
Definition
to consider thoroughly or deeply
He didn't waste time pondering the question.
Synonyms
think about,
consider,
study,
reflect on,
examine,
weigh up,
contemplate,
deliberate about,
muse on,
brood on,
meditate on,
mull over,
puzzle over,
ruminate on,
give thought to,
cogitate on,
rack your brains about,
cerebrate,
excogitate
in the sense of reproduce
Definition
to make a copy or representation of
The effect has proved hard to reproduce.
Synonyms
copy,
recreate,
replicate,
duplicate,
match,
represent,
mirror,
echo,
parallel,
imitate,
emulate
in the sense of return
They promised to return the money.
Synonyms
give back,
repay,
refund,
pay back,
remit,
reimburse,
recompense
in the sense of reveal
Definition
to expose to view or show (something concealed)
A grey carpet was removed to reveal the pine floor.
Synonyms
show,
display,
bare,
exhibit,
unveil,
uncover,
manifest,
unearth,
unmask,
lay bare,
bring to light,
expose to view
in the sense of ruminate
Definition
to meditate or ponder
I had time to ruminate as I drove along.
Synonyms
ponder,
think,
consider,
reflect,
contemplate,
deliberate,
muse,
brood,
meditate,
mull over things,
chew over things,
cogitate,
rack your brains,
turn over in your mind
in the sense of think
Definition
to engage in conscious thought
She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to think.
Synonyms
ponder,
reflect,
contemplate,
deliberate,
brood,
meditate,
ruminate,
cogitate,
rack your brains,
be lost in thought,
cerebrate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of wonder
Definition
to think about something with curiosity or doubt
I wonder what he's up to.We were wondering where you were.