Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
refine
refined
refinement
refinery
refit
refl.
reflag
reflation
reflect
reflectance
reflecting telescope
reflection
reflective
reflectivity
reflectometer
reflector
reflectorize
Click to move down the list of words
Also available:

World English Dictionary
Dictionnaire Français

reflect

re·flect [ ri flékt ] (past and past participle re·flect·ed, present participle re·flect·ing, 3rd person present singular re·flects)


verb 
Definition:
 
1. transitive and intransitive verb send something back: to redirect something that strikes a surface, especially light, sound, or heat, usually back toward its point of origin
The Moon reflects light from the Sun toward the Earth.

2. transitive and intransitive verb show mirror image of somebody or something: to show a reverse image of somebody or something on a mirror or other reflective surface

3. transitive verb show something: to express or be an indicator of something
The election results reflect discontent among voters.

4. intransitive verb think seriously: to think seriously, carefully, and relatively calmly
The retreat will give us time to reflect.

5. transitive verb say something to self thoughtfully: to have a relatively complex thought that may or may not be voiced
reflected that withdrawal might be the safest option

6. transitive and intransitive verb bring credit or discredit: to bring credit, discredit, or another judgment on somebody or something
an action that reflects badly on the school

[14th century. Via French< Latin reflectere "bend back" < flectere "to bend"]
Advertisement

© 2009 Microsoft