reflect
/rɪˈflɛkt
/verb
1 [with object] (Of a surface or body) throw back (heat, light, or sound) without absorbing it: when the sun’s rays hit the Earth a lot of the heat is reflected back into space...
- The lightness or darkness of a color affects whether it can absorb or reflect heat and light.
- Reflectance, on the other hand, is determined by how much of the surface is reflecting the light.
- Venetian blinds, although not as effective as draperies, can be adjusted to let in some light and air while reflecting the sun's heat.
1.1(Of a mirror or shiny surface) show an image of: he could see himself reflected in Keith’s mirrored glasses...
- The oval mirror reflects me sitting on the bed, framed by the intricate lace of the curtains.
- There are so many of me because the mirrors are reflecting both the original me and the reflections of me, if that makes sense.
- From its opening shot of a wing mirror reflecting New York taxis shimmering in the night, the film has many moments of visual artistry.
1.2Embody or represent (something) in a faithful or appropriate way: schools should reflect cultural differences...
- Lydia was a lady now and would have to wear the appropriate clothing to reflect her new status.
- An amount could, therefore, be agreed at the outset to reflect the appropriate rate for the period.
- Fortunately, today's Radio 1 is a much more diverse place, better reflecting the cultural choices available in the UK.
Synonyms
indicate, show, display, demonstrate, be evidence of, register, reveal, betray, evince, disclose, exhibit, manifest;
express, bespeak, communicate, bear out, attest, prove, evidence;
result from
1.3(Of an action or situation) bring (credit or discredit) to the relevant parties: the main contract is progressing well, which reflects great credit on those involved...
- Chapman reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
- It is a sorry tale which reflects no credit on either party.
- Leeds did manage to stage a late rally, which reflected huge credit on their fighting qualities.
1.4 [no object] (reflect well/badly on) Bring about a good or bad impression of: the incident reflects badly on the operating practices of the airlines...
- He said: ‘The successful conclusion of this ambitious project reflects well on all concerned.’
- This is a story that reflects well on all involved - we extend our sincere congratulations.
- That their constitution has been interpreted to ban public displays of anything Christian is clearly a vast perversion of their intent and thus reflects badly on most of the modern courts that have claimed to interpret it.
Synonyms
discredit, do discredit to, be a discredit to, disgrace, shame, put in a bad light, damage, damage/tarnish/blemish the reputation of, give a bad name to, bring into disrepute, become a stain/blot of the escutcheon of, detract from
2 [no object] (usually reflect on/upon) Think deeply or carefully about: he reflected with sadness on the unhappiness of his marriage [with clause]: Charles reflected that maybe there was hope for the family after all...
- Anyone who carefully reflects on the merit of this legislation will see that it is hugely flawed.
- That is a serious matter that I think this House should reflect on very carefully.
- Maybe she will then reflect on that further, as we go through the legislation.
Synonyms
think about, give thought to, consider, give consideration to, review, mull over, contemplate, study, cogitate about/on, meditate on, muse on, deliberate about/on, ruminate about/on/over, dwell on, brood on/over, agonize over, worry about, chew over, puzzle over, speculate about, weigh up, revolve, turn over in one's mind, be in a brown study
informal put on one's thinking cap
archaic pore on
rare cerebrate
2.1 archaic Make disparaging remarks about: the clergy were strictly charged not to reflect on the Catholic religion in their discourses
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French reflecter or Latin reflectere, from re- 'back' + flectere 'to bend'.