# reflecting

/ɹɪˈfɫɛktɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪflˈɛktɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reflecting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. bouncing back light or sound

verb · CEFR B1

sending back light, heat, or sound from a surface.

For teachers: the action of a surface throwing back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.

- The sunlight was reflecting off the windows of the tall buildings.
- The calm surface of the lake was perfectly reflecting the snow-capped peaks, creating a symmetrical image of the landscape.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'off'.

### 2. thinking deeply

verb · CEFR B2

thinking carefully and quietly about something that happened.

For teachers: engaging in serious thought or consideration regarding past events or ideas.

- After the busy week, she spent Sunday reflecting on her progress.
- Reflecting on the results of the clinical trial, the researchers realized that their initial hypothesis required significant adjustment.

Usage: Usually takes the preposition 'on'.

### 3. showing a quality

verb · CEFR B2

showing or representing a particular situation or feeling.

For teachers: serving as an indication or representation of a specific state of affairs or quality.

- The low test scores are reflecting a lack of study time.
- The CEO's optimistic speech was reflecting the company's strong financial performance over the last three quarters.

### 4. sending back light

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a surface that sends back light.

For teachers: possessing the property of reflection; used to describe surfaces or materials that redirect light or energy.

- Cyclists should wear reflecting strips on their clothes at night.
- The architect specified reflecting glass for the facade to reduce the building's internal heat gain during the summer months.

### 5. the act of reflection

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of thinking or the process of light bouncing back.

For teachers: the occurrence or instance of physical or mental reflection.

- His constant reflecting on the past made it hard for him to move on.
- The constant reflecting of radar waves allowed the operators to track the vessel's precise movements through the fog.

## Examples

- She is reflecting on her choices for the future.
- After the meeting ended, the manager spent an hour reflecting on the feedback provided by the team.
- The calm surface of the lake acted as a natural mirror, perfectly reflecting the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains against the clear blue sky.

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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.