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reflect

v.
US //ɹɪˈfɫɛkt// UK //ɹɪflˈɛkt// re·flect
  1. 1 light or sound (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    to send back light, heat, or sound from a surface.

    to throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it. Often used in scientific contexts regarding surfaces like glass or water.

    Example

    The white walls reflect the sunlight and make the room feel much brighter.

    Example

    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'.
  2. 2 mirror an image (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to show an image of something on a shiny surface like a mirror or water.

    to produce an image of something on a reflective surface. Transitive when the surface is the subject; often used in the passive voice.

    Example

    He stopped to look at his face reflected in the shop window.

    Example

    The still surface of the lake perfectly reflected the snow-capped mountains, creating a symmetrical landscape of blue and white.
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  1. 3 to show or represent (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to show a particular situation, feeling, or quality.

    to serve as a representation or evidence of a specific quality, state, or character.

    Example

    The low test scores reflect the fact that the students didn't have enough time to study.

    Example

    The CEO's decision to increase the research budget reflects the company's long-term commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.
  2. 4 to think deeply (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to think carefully and seriously about something.

    to engage in serious thought or consideration. Intransitive, typically followed by the preposition 'on'.

    Example

    Before making a choice, you should take some time to reflect on your goals.

    Example

    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'.
Origin

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.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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