v.
Pronunciation: ri- ' flekt
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1 archaic : to turn into or away from a course : DEFLECT
2 : to prevent passage of and cause to change direction <a mirror reflect s light>
3 : to bend or fold back
4 : to give back or exhibit as an image, likeness, or outline : MIRROR <the clouds were reflect ed in the water>
5 : to bring or cast as a result <his attitude reflect s little credit on his judgment>
6 : to make manifest or apparent : SHOW <the painting reflect s his artistic vision> <the pulse reflect s the condition of the heart>
7 : REALIZE , CONSIDER
intransitive verb
1 : to throw back light or sound
2 a : to think quietly and calmly b : to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection
3 a : to tend to bring reproach or discredit <an investigation that reflect s on all the members of the department> b : to bring about a specified appearance or characterization <an act which reflect s well on her> c : to have a bearing or influence
synonyms see THINK