reflect

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To bend back (light, etc.) from a surface.

   • A mirror reflects the light that shines on it.
2. 2

   To be bent back (light, etc.) from a surface.

   • The moonlight reflected from the surface of water.
3. 3

   To mirror, or show the image of something.

   • The shop window reflected his image as he walked past.
4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To be mirrored.

      • His image reflected from the shop window as he walked past.
   2. 5

      To agree with

      To agree with; to closely follow.

      • Entries in English dictionaries aim to reflect common usage.
   3. 6

      To give evidence of someone's or something's character etc.

      • The team's victory reflects the Captain's abilities.
      • The teacher's ability reflects well on the school.
      • The admirable smoothness of the riding also reflected the greatest credit on those who, despite the difficulties caused by the shortage of men and materials, have succeeded in maintaining the track in such first-class order.
   4. 7

      To think seriously

      To think seriously; to ponder or consider.

      • People do that sort of thing every day, without ever stopping to reflect on the consequences.
      • Not for the first time, he reflected that it was not so much the speeches that strained the nerves as the palaver that went with them.

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