Reflect
/rɪˈflekt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo bounce back (light, sound, heat, etc.) from a surface.
/rɪˈflekt/
To throw back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface.
The shiny surface of the car reflects the sun's rays.
💡 Simply: Think of a mirror: when you look in it, your image *reflects* back at you! It's like the light from you bounces off the mirror and back to your eyes.
👶 For kids: When something bounces off of something else, like when light bounces off a mirror, it reflects!
More Examples
The sound waves reflect off the walls of the concert hall.
How It's Used
"The mirror reflects the light."
"The lake reflects the sunlight."
To show or indicate a particular condition or quality.
/rɪˈflekt/
To give a sign of; to show or demonstrate something.
The new policies reflect the company's commitment to sustainability.
💡 Simply: If your face *reflects* how you feel, it means other people can tell what you're feeling just by looking at you. Your feelings are showing!
👶 For kids: When something shows how something else is, like your face showing you're happy, it reflects!
More Examples
His improved grades reflect his hard work.
How It's Used
"His eyes reflected his sadness."
"Her behavior reflects her upbringing."
To think seriously about something, often for a period of time.
/rɪˈflekt/
To think deeply or carefully about.
She reflected on the mistakes she made and learned from them.
💡 Simply: When you *reflect*, it's like you're taking a moment to think about something important. Maybe you're thinking about what happened today, or what you're going to do next. It’s like a quick trip back to your thoughts!
👶 For kids: To think about something for a long time and really think about it, that's reflect!
More Examples
Before making a decision, he always takes time to reflect.
How It's Used
"He spent hours reflecting on the meaning of life."
"I need to reflect on what I've learned."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
reflect on something
To think deeply or carefully about something.
"She reflected on her past mistakes."
reflect credit on someone
To bring honor or praise to someone.
"Her success reflects credit on her teachers."
From Latin reflectere, meaning 'to bend back'.
Used in English since the 14th century, initially to describe the bending back of light or sound. The more abstract senses developed later.
Memory tip
Imagine light bouncing off a mirror; that's reflection!
Word Origin
"to bend back"