ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reflected

v. · adj.
US //ɹɪˈfɫɛktɪd// UK //ɹɪflˈɛktɪd// re·flect·ed
  1. 1 sent back light or an image (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    sent back light, heat, or sound from a surface; also, showed an image in a mirror or water.

    past tense of reflect; to throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it, or to produce an image on a polished surface.

    Example

    The sunlight reflected off the windows of the tall building and blinded the drivers.

    Example

    The calm surface of the lake perfectly reflected the snow-capped peaks, creating a symmetrical landscape that appeared almost artificial in its clarity.

  2. 2 thought deeply (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    thought carefully or deeply about something that happened in the past.

    past tense of reflect; to consider a matter carefully or to meditate on past events.

    Example

    After the meeting, she reflected on what her boss had said about her performance.

    Example

    In his later years, the statesman reflected on the difficult compromises he had made during the peace negotiations.

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 bounced back (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    describes light, sound, or heat that has bounced off a surface.

    describing energy, particularly electromagnetic or acoustic, that has been redirected from a surface rather than absorbed or transmitted.

    Example

    The room was bright because of the reflected light from the white walls.

    Example

    The sensor measures the intensity of reflected infrared radiation to determine the distance between the vehicle and the obstacle.

  2. 4 vicarious or indirect (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    describes a feeling or success that you get from someone else's hard work.

    derived from another person or source; describing a quality or status enjoyed indirectly through association.

    Example

    The parents felt a sense of reflected glory when their daughter won the prize.

    Example

    He seemed to bask in the reflected prestige of his ancestors, despite having achieved very little of note himself.

© 2026 English Reference