Reflect: meaning, definitions and examples
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reflect
[ rɪˈflɛkt ]
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 |
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reflect |
Used when referring to thinking deeply or showing an image.
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mirror |
Used when something shows a likeness or similarity to something else, often in behavior or appearance.
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echo |
Used when describing the repetition of a sound or suggesting agreement that is repeated.
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reproduce |
Best used when creating a copy of something or describing the biological process of producing offspring.
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manifest |
Best for describing the process of making something clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
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contemplate |
Best suited for situations where someone is thinking about something deeply and for a long time, often considering possible outcomes.
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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.
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.
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influence |
Generally used to describe a gradual or subtle change in someone’s thoughts, behavior, or decisions.
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impact |
Employed to describe a strong or powerful effect on something. Can imply a more immediate and significant influence.
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affect |
Applied when describing how something influences a change in someone or something. Usually involves emotions or physical states.
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portray |
Used specifically when describing how someone or something is depicted in art, literature, or media.
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represent |
Applied when showing or standing for someone or something in a formal or official way. It can also mean embodying characteristics or qualities.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.