# reflect

/ɹɪˈfɫɛkt/ (US) · /ɹɪflˈɛkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reflect
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. light or sound

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. mirror an image

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- 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.

### 3. to show or represent

verb · CEFR B2

to show a particular situation, feeling, or quality.

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

- 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.

### 4. to think deeply

verb · CEFR B2

to think carefully and seriously about something.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The calm water reflects the trees perfectly.
- After the busy project ended, she took a week off to reflect on her career goals.
- The sharp decline in quarterly profits does not necessarily reflect the long-term health of the company, as several one-time expenses skewed the final figures.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.