reflect
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
reflects;
reflected;
reflecting
reflects;
reflected;
reflecting
Britannica Dictionary definition of REFLECT
1
a
[no object]
of light, sound, etc.
:
to move in one direction, hit a surface, and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction
— usually + off
-
The light reflected off the mirror.
-
The sound of our voices reflected off the walls of the tunnel.
b
[+ object]
◊ When a surface reflects light, sound, or heat, it causes the light, sound, or heat that hits it to move or bounce away in a different direction.
-
A polished surface reflects light.
-
The tiles are used to reflect heat.
-
The moon shines with reflected light. [=the moon shines because it is reflecting the light that shines on it from the sun]
2
[+ object]
:
to show the image of (something) on a surface
-
The old church is reflected in the glass exterior of the skyscraper.
-
The clouds were reflected [=mirrored] in the surface of the lake.
3
[+ object]
:
to show (something)
:
to make (something) known
-
Her book clearly reflects her beliefs.
-
Where you learned a language is reflected in your accent.
4
[no object]
a
:
to cause people to think of someone or something in a specified way
— + on or upon
-
The book leaves out things that might reflect badly/poorly on him. [=things that might make him look bad]
-
Your achievement reflects well on your school. = Your achievement reflects credit on your school. [=your achievement shows that your school taught you well]
b
:
to cause people to disapprove of someone or something
— + on or upon
-
His bad behavior reflects on all of us.
5
a
[no object]
:
to think carefully about something
— often + on or upon
-
You should take some time to reflect before you make a decision.
-
I've been reflecting on my experiences here.
b
[+ object]
:
to think or say (something) after careful thought
-
She was disappointed with their decision, but she reflected that it could have been worse.
-
“It could have been worse,” she reflected.
