Reflect: meaning, definitions and examples

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reflect

 

[ rɪˈflɛkt ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

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

Translations of the word "reflect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refletir

🇮🇳 प्रतिबिंबित करना

🇩🇪 reflektieren

🇮🇩 mencerminkan

🇺🇦 відображати

🇵🇱 odzwierciedlać

🇯🇵 反映する (はんえいする)

🇫🇷 réfléchir

🇪🇸 reflejar

🇹🇷 yansıtmak

🇰🇷 반영하다

🇸🇦 يعكس

🇨🇿 odrážet

🇸🇰 odrážať

🇨🇳 反映 (fǎnyìng)

🇸🇮 odražati

🇮🇸 endurspegla

🇰🇿 шағылыстыру

🇬🇪 ასახვა

🇦🇿 əks etdirmək

🇲🇽 reflejar

Etymology

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.

See also: reflectance, reflecting, reflection, reflective, reflectively, reflectiveness, reflectivity, reflector.

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.