ENGLISH
REFERENCE

reflected

v.
B1 Intermediate US //ɹɪˈfɫɛktɪd// UK //ɹɪflˈɛktɪd// re·flect·ed

v. to show an image on a surface like a mirror or water. It can also mean to show or express a particular quality or feeling.

v. to throw back light, heat, or sound from a surface without absorbing it; figuratively, to manifest or demonstrate a particular quality or state.


SIMPLE

The calm water reflected the blue sky perfectly.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's recent success reflected the hard work of the entire marketing team over the last year.

COMPLEX

The poet's later works reflected a growing preoccupation with mortality, contrasting sharply with the exuberant and lighthearted verses of his youth.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive when describing physical reflection or representing a quality; it can be used intransitively when followed by 'on' to mean 'to think deeply'.

Pitfall

The mirror reflected on her faceThe mirror reflected her faceWhen describing a physical image on a surface, the verb is transitive and does not take the preposition 'on'.

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