Reflect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reflect

[rɪˈflɛkt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a mirror

To show an image of something in a mirror or shiny surface. To think deeply or carefully about something. To give back an image or sound.

Synonyms

contemplate, echo, manifest, mirror, reproduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflect	Used when referring to thinking deeply or showing an image. She needed some time to reflect on her decision The lake beautifully reflects the mountains
mirror	Used when something shows a likeness or similarity to something else, often in behavior or appearance. Her actions mirrored his exactly The sculpture mirrors the artist's unique style
echo	Used when describing the repetition of a sound or suggesting agreement that is repeated. Her laughter echoed through the empty halls His words echoed the thoughts of the entire team
reproduce	Best used when creating a copy of something or describing the biological process of producing offspring. The artist tried to reproduce the colors of the original painting Rabbits reproduce quickly
manifest	Best for describing the process of making something clear or obvious to the eye or mind. His disappointment was manifest in his expression The symptoms of the disease might not manifest until several years later
contemplate	Best suited for situations where someone is thinking about something deeply and for a long time, often considering possible outcomes. He sat quietly, contemplating his next move She spent hours contemplating her career choices

Examples of usage

The mountains were reflected in the lake.
She reflected on her past mistakes.
His words reflected his true feelings.
The painting reflected the artist's emotions.
The glass reflected the sunlight.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

influence

To influence or affect someone or something. To give a good impression of something.

Synonyms

affect, impact, influence, portray, represent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflect	Used when showing an image, likeness, or idea of someone or something. It often suggests a more passive or indirect action. The mirror reflects her face. His behavior reflects his upbringing.
influence	Generally used to describe a gradual or subtle change in someone’s thoughts, behavior, or decisions. Her friends influenced her decision to study abroad. The weather can influence your mood.
impact	Employed to describe a strong or powerful effect on something. Can imply a more immediate and significant influence. The new law will have a huge impact on small businesses. Her speech impacted everyone in the room.
affect	Applied when describing how something influences a change in someone or something. Usually involves emotions or physical states. The movie deeply affected her. His words affect me a lot.
portray	Used specifically when describing how someone or something is depicted in art, literature, or media. The actor portrayed the character effortlessly. The book portrays life in the 18th century.
represent	Applied when showing or standing for someone or something in a formal or official way. It can also mean embodying characteristics or qualities. The flag represents our country. She was chosen to represent the school at the competition.

Examples of usage

Her positive attitude reflects in her work.
The company's success reflects well on its employees.
His behavior reflects poorly on his upbringing.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

thoughts

An image or representation of something in a mirror or shiny surface. Serious thought or consideration.

Synonyms

contemplation, image, meditation, musing, rumination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflect	Usually used when thinking deeply about something, especially past events or personal experiences. It can also mean to show an image or mirror an appearance. She took a moment to reflect on her choices. The lake reflects the mountains beautifully.
image	This word generally refers to a visual representation of something, such as a picture or photo. It can also mean a representation of how something is perceived in people's minds. He carefully selected an image for the magazine cover. Her public image has suffered due to the scandal.
contemplation	Often used when focusing attention on something in a calm, thoughtful way, usually without immediate need for action. It can imply deep thinking or the act of considering something thoughtfully. He spent hours in contemplation about his future. Her contemplation of the painting revealed new details.
meditation	Commonly used in the context of practices for achieving mental clarity, relaxation, and spiritual growth. It can refer to structured exercises or a state of engaged focus. She practices meditation every morning to start her day with calm. During his meditation, he found a sense of peace.
musing	Refers to a period of deep, reflective thought, often characterized by a relaxed or dreamy state. It can imply a less structured kind of thinking. Her musings on life are always interesting to read. He sat by the window, lost in thoughts and musings.
rumination	Typically involves deep or repetitive thinking about something, often in a negative or obsessive way. It usually implies a focus on distressing or troubling thoughts. He was stuck in rumination about his past mistakes. Her rumination on the issue only added to her anxiety.

Examples of usage

She saw her reflection in the mirror.
His reflection on the matter was insightful.
The reflection in the water was distorted.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In physics, reflection refers to the change in direction of a wave when it bounces off a barrier, such as light reflecting off a surface.
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, which is fundamental in optics.

Psychology

Self-reflection has been linked to increased emotional intelligence and self-awareness, helping individuals understand their feelings and thoughts.
Reflective practices are often used in therapy to encourage individuals to think about their behavior and its impact on themselves and others.

Literature

Many poets use reflection as a theme, exploring ideas of introspection and personal growth in their works.
In literature, characters often reflect on their past to drive the narrative forward and develop deeper connections with readers.

Art

Artists often use reflective materials or techniques to create visual impact, making their artworks engage viewers through different perspectives.
Some famous artworks, like Renaissance paintings, incorporate reflection both in literal and figurative senses, engaging with complex themes of identity.

Origin of 'reflect'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'reflectere', which means 'to bend back' or 'to turn back'.
The word has been used in the English language since the late 14th century, primarily in the context of thinking.

The word 'reflect' originated from the Latin word 'reflectere', which means 'to bend back'. The term has been in use since the 15th century, evolving to its current meaning of showing an image in a mirror or giving careful thought. Over the centuries, 'reflect' has become a versatile word used in various contexts to convey the idea of mirroring, contemplating, or influencing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,235, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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