reflect

UK: /rɪˈflɛkt/ US: /rɪˈflɛkt/ ,(ri flekt′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•flect /rɪˈflɛkt/   v. 

1. Optics to turn or throw back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface: [~ + object]
   The mirror reflected his image perfectly.
   [no object]
   This dull surface doesn't reflect.
2. to express;
   show:
   [~ + object] The party seems to reflect the views of its leader.
3. to think over;
   ponder or meditate: [~ (+ on + object)]
   He sat there reflecting on what had gone wrong.
   [no object]
   took time to pause and reflect.
4. reflect on, [~ + on + object]
   • to serve or tend to bring blame or discredit:
     His crimes reflected on the whole community.
   • to serve to give a particular aspect or impression:
     That accomplishment reflects well on your abilities.

re•flec•tive, adj. 
re•flec•tive•ly, adv. See -flect-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•flect  (ri flekt′), v.t. 

1. Optics to cast back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface:
   The mirror reflected the light onto the wall.
2. to give back or show an image of;
   mirror.
3. (of an act or its result) to serve to cast or bring (credit, discredit, etc.) on its performer.
4. to reproduce;
   show:
   followers reflecting the views of the leader.
5. to throw or cast back;
   cause to return or rebound:
   Her bitterness reflects gloom on all her family.

v.i. 

6. to be turned or cast back, as light.
7. Optics to cast back light, heat, etc.
8. Optics to be reflected or mirrored.
9. to give back or show an image.
10. to think, ponder, or meditate:
    to reflect on one's virtues and faults.
11. to serve or tend to bring reproach or discredit by association:
    His crimes reflected on the whole community.
12. to serve to give a particular aspect or impression:
    The test reflects well on your abilities.

• Latin reflectere to bend back, equivalent. to re- re- + flectere to bend
• Middle English reflecten 1350–1400

re•flect′ed•ly, adv. 
re•flect′ed•ness, n. 
re•flect′i•bil′i•ty, n. 
re•flect′i•ble, adj. 
re•flect′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 4. manifest.
• 6. rebound.
• 10. ruminate, deliberate, muse, consider, cogitate, contemplate. See study ¹.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

reflect / 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
5. (intr; followed by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way: her behaviour reflects well on her
6. (intr; followed by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on)
7. (intransitive) usually followed by on: to think, meditate, or ponder

Etymology: 15th Century: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend; see flex