Word
reflect
Phoneticsre·flect, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹɪˈfɫɛkt/
UK/ɹɪflˈɛkt/
Definitions
01light or sound
B1 · Intermediate Science
v. to send back light, heat, or sound from a surface.
v. to throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it. Often used in scientific contexts regarding surfaces like glass or water.
“The white walls reflect the sunlight and make the room feel much brighter.”
“The moon does not produce its own light; rather, it reflects the light of the sun toward the Earth's surface.”
Usage
Often used with 'off' or 'from'.
Antonyms
02mirror an image
B1 · Intermediate
v. to show an image of something on a shiny surface like a mirror or water.
v. to produce an image of something on a reflective surface. Transitive when the surface is the subject; often used in the passive voice.
日本語:映す※
“He stopped to look at his face reflected in the shop window.”
“The still surface of the lake perfectly reflected the snow-capped mountains, creating a symmetrical landscape of blue and white.”
03to show or represent
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to show a particular situation, feeling, or quality.
v. to serve as a representation or evidence of a specific quality, state, or character.
日本語:映し出す※
“The low test scores reflect the fact that the students didn't have enough time to study.”
“The CEO's decision to increase the research budget reflects the company's long-term commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04to think deeply
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to think carefully and seriously about something.
v. to engage in serious thought or consideration. Intransitive, typically followed by the preposition 'on'.
“Before making a choice, you should take some time to reflect on your goals.”
“The retired diplomat spent his afternoons in the garden, reflecting on the complex geopolitical shifts he had witnessed during his career.”
Usage
Usually takes the preposition 'on' or 'upon'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reflect” in context.
Verb
01. accurately reflect
“The statistics do not accurately reflect the true state of the economy.”
adv + verb
02. clearly reflect
“The survey results clearly reflect a growing concern for safety.”
adv + verb
03. closely reflect
“The film's plot closely reflects the events in the original book.”
adv + verb
04. directly reflect
“Your salary will directly reflect your performance at work.”
adv + verb
05. fully reflect
“The summary does not fully reflect the depth of the discussion.”
adv + verb
06. largely reflect
“The increase in crime may largely reflect the rise in unemployment.”
adv + verb
07. necessarily reflect
“The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the company.”
adv + verb
08. partly reflect
“The high prices partly reflect the cost of imported materials.”
adv + verb
Noun
09. fact reflect
“This fact reflects the growing divide between rich and poor.”
noun + verb
10. finding reflect
“The research findings reflect a need for further investigation.”
noun + verb
11. need reflect
“The urgent need reflects the severity of the crisis.”
noun + verb
12. opinion reflect
“Public opinion reflects a lack of trust in the media.”
noun + verb
Etymology
From Old French reflecter (“to bend back, turn back”), from Latin reflectō (“to reflect”), from re- (“again”) + flectō (“to bend, to curve”). Compare English reflex.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. reflect upon
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/reflect
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0