Reflecting: meaning, definitions and examples

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reflecting

[rɪˈflɛktɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

self-awareness

To think deeply or carefully about something. To consider or meditate on something. To give serious thought or consideration to something.

Synonyms

contemplate, ponder, ruminate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflecting	Used when someone is thinking carefully or considering something deeply, often enjoying reminiscing about the past. She sat by the window, reflecting on her childhood memories After the meeting, he spent a few minutes reflecting on what was discussed
contemplate	Appropriate when considering something for a long time, often with a sense of serious thought or regard for future actions or decisions. She contemplated her next career move for weeks before making a decision He took a moment to contemplate the possible consequences of his actions
ponder	Best used when thinking about something carefully, often when seeking a solution or understanding an issue deeply. He pondered over the problem for hours before coming up with a solution She pondered whether to take the job offer in another city
ruminate	Often used when thinking deeply about something, sometimes with a negative connotation of overthinking or dwelling on something excessively. He tends to ruminate on his past mistakes, which affects his current performance She ruminated for days on her recent breakup

Examples of usage

Reflecting on her past mistakes, she realized the importance of learning from them.
He spent hours reflecting on the meaning of life.
I often find myself reflecting on the choices I've made in life.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

mirroring

To throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it. To mirror or show an image of.

Synonyms

echo, mirror, reproduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reflecting	Used when talking about thinking deeply about something or seeing an image as a result of light bouncing off a surface. She spent the evening reflecting on her decisions. The lake was reflecting the mountains.
mirror	Used when describing an object that reflects an image or when stating that something closely resembles another thing. She looked at herself in the mirror. His actions mirrored his father's behavior.
echo	Used when describing a sound that repeats because it bounces off a surface or when referencing an idea that is similar to another. Her voice produced an echo in the empty hall. His opinion echoed the sentiments of the community.
reproduce	Used when talking about the act of creating a copy of something, such as sounds, images, or biological offspring. The machine can perfectly reproduce the original document. Most living organisms reproduce to ensure the survival of their species.

Examples of usage

The mountains reflected in the calm lake.
The glass walls reflected the sunlight into the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Latin 'reflectere', which means to bend back or turn back.
In the 14th century, the word began to be used in a metaphorical sense related to thoughts and feelings.

Psychology

Reflective thinking encourages deep understanding and personal growth by analyzing past experiences.
Educational theories emphasize reflective practice, where individuals assess their actions to improve future outcomes.

Science

In physics, light reflecting off surfaces is essential for understanding how we see and perceive the world.
Reflection in water can create beautiful natural images, as seen in photography and art.

Literature

Many poets and writers use the concept of reflecting to depict internal struggles and emotional journeys.
Books featuring characters who reflect on their lives often highlight themes of redemption and growth.

Art

Artists use reflective surfaces in their works to explore perception, reality, and self-identity.
Reflecting in art can involve mirrors or shiny materials that challenge viewers’ perspectives on their own reality.

Translations

Translations of the word "reflecting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 refletindo

🇮🇳 प्रतिबिंबित करना

🇩🇪 reflektierend

🇮🇩 memantulkan

🇺🇦 відображення

🇵🇱 odbijanie

🇯🇵 反映

🇫🇷 réfléchissant

🇪🇸 reflejando

🇹🇷 yansıtma

🇰🇷 반영

🇸🇦 انعكاس

🇨🇿 odrážející

🇸🇰 odrážajúci

🇨🇳 反映

🇸🇮 odražajoč

🇮🇸 endurvarpa

🇰🇿 шағылдыру

🇬🇪 არეკვლა

🇦🇿 əks etdirmək

🇲🇽 reflejando

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,959, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4956 warned
4957 diplomatic
4958 morality
4959 reflecting
4960 adjoining
4961 apt
4962 territorial
...