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reflect

/rɪˈflɛkt/

/rɪˈflɛkt/

Other forms: reflected; reflecting; reflects

Something that reflects comes back to you. If you look in a mirror, you will see your reflected image. If you reflect on your past experiences, you look at them once again thoughtfully.

Reflect also means to give evidence of the character or quality of something. Most parents want their children to reflect their own strengths by emulating their behavior. A set of telling statistics could reflect the buying trends in an economic cycle. Reflecting can mean seeing something original in another form or image.

Definitions of reflect
  1. verb
    throw or bend back (from a surface)
    “Sound is reflected well in this auditorium”
    synonyms: reverberate
    reverberate
    be reflected as heat, sound, or light or shock waves
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    types:
    reverberate
    be reflected as heat, sound, or light or shock waves
    mirror
    reflect as if in a mirror
  2. verb
    show an image of
    “her sunglasses reflected his image”
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    type of:
    show
    make visible or noticeable
  3. verb
    be bright by reflecting or casting light
    “Drive carefully--the wet road reflects
    synonyms: shine
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    resplend
    be resplendent or radiant; to shine brightly
    glare
    be sharply reflected
    opalesce
    reflect light or colors like an opal
    luminesce
    be or become luminescent; exhibit luminescence
    coruscate, scintillate, sparkle
    reflect brightly
    type of:
    emit, give off, give out
    give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.
  4. verb
    manifest or bring back
    “This action reflects his true beliefs”
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    designate, indicate, point, show
    indicate a place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively
  5. verb
    give evidence of a certain behavior
    “His lack of interest in the project reflects badly on him”
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    type of:
    attest, certify, demonstrate, evidence, manifest
    provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
  6. verb
    give evidence of
    “The mess in his dorm room reflects on the student”
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    types:
    mirror
    reflect or resemble
    type of:
    attest, certify, demonstrate, evidence, manifest
    provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
  7. verb
    reflect deeply on a subject
    synonyms: chew over, contemplate, excogitate, meditate, mull, mull over, muse, ponder, ruminate, speculate, think over
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    premeditate
    think or reflect beforehand or in advance
    theologise, theologize
    make theoretical speculations about theology or discuss theological subjects
    introspect
    reflect on one's own thoughts and feelings
    bethink
    consider or ponder something carefully
    cogitate
    consider carefully and deeply; reflect upon; turn over in one's mind
    question, wonder
    place in doubt or express doubtful speculation
    puzzle
    be uncertain about; think about without fully understanding or being able to decide
    consider, study
    give careful consideration to
    factor, factor in, factor out
    consider as relevant when making a decision
    compare, equate, liken
    consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous
    scruple
    have doubts about
    type of:
    cerebrate, cogitate, think
    use or exercise the mind or one's power of reason in order to make inferences, decisions, or arrive at a solution or judgments
Pronunciation
US

/rɪˈflɛkt/

UK

/rɪˈflɛkt/

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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘reflect'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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