reflectverb
uk/rɪˈflekt/us/rɪˈflekt/reflect verb (RETURN)
B2 [ I or T ] If a surface reflects light, heat, sound, or an image, it sends the light, etc. back and does not absorb it:
He saw himself reflected in the water/mirror/shop window.
The light reflected off the surface of the water.
More examples
- The candlelight reflected on his gold wristwatch.
- Her black hair reflected the light from the garden as if it were a lantern.
- The whole place was aglow, with amber light reflected off teak veneer.
- The shiny brass reflected the light like a mirror.
- I could see my face reflected in his glasses.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Physics: optics, microscopy & lasers
- binoculars
- chromatic aberration
- converging lens
- diffuse reflection
- electron microscope
- field glasses
- focus
- laser-guided
- magnification
- magnifier
- magnify
- magnifying glass
- microscopy
- opera glasses
- power
- powerful
- reflective
- resolution
- slide
- transparency
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Physical & chemical processes
reflect verb (SHOW)
B2 [ T ] to show, express, or be a sign of something:
The statistics reflect a change in people's spending habits.
More examples
- Does television adequately reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the country?
- This poem reflects the poet's love of nature and his religious beliefs.
- The results of the survey reflect a considerable shift in attitudes towards the legal profession.
- The sombre atmosphere in the changing room reflected the mood of the team after its defeat in the final.
- They argue that the membership of the Council does not reflect the racial make-up of the city.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Showing and demonstrating
- act
- act sth out
- attest
- barometer
- bespeak
- bring
- bring sth forward
- flicker
- manifestation
- produce
- prove
- put up sth
- radiate
- revealing
- says something about sb/sth idiom
- signify
- strike
- suggest
- token
- wear
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reflect verb (THINK)
B2 [ I ] formal to think carefully, especially about possibilities and opinions:
The manager demanded time to reflect (on what to do).
[ + that ] She reflected that this was probably the last time she would see him.
More examples
- It provides one with a chance to reflect on spiritual matters in solitude.
- The writer reflects on human injustice and iniquity.
- In many of his poems the poet reflects on the quietude of the countryside.
- He paused for a moment and reflected on the work in front of him.
- He spent the evening reflecting on the day's events.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Thinking and contemplating
- -ly
- agonize over/about sth
- chew
- chew sth over
- chew the cud idiom
- chew your cud idiom
- depth
- joined-up thinking
- lateral thinking
- let me see/let's see idiom
- let's see idiom
- puzzle
- rack
- spare
- take sth into account idiom
- the thought crosses sb's mind idiom
- think sth out
- think sth over
- think sth through
- worry
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Phrasal verb(s)
reflect on sb/sth