/ rɪˈflekt; NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] reflect sb/sth (in sth) to show the image of sb/sth on the surface of sth such as a mirror, water or glass :
His face was reflected in the mirror.
She could see herself reflected in his eyes.
2.
[ vn ] to throw back light, heat, sound, etc. from a surface :
The windows reflected the bright afternoon sunlight.
When the sun's rays hit the earth, a lot of the heat is reflected back into space.
3.
[ vn ] to show or be a sign of the nature of sth or of sb's attitude or feeling :
Our newspaper aims to reflect the views of the local community.
4.
reflect (on / upon sth) to think carefully and deeply about sth :
[ v ]
Before I decide, I need time to reflect.
She was left to reflect on the implications of her decision.
[ v that ]
On the way home he reflected that the interview had gone well.
[also v wh- , v speech ]
•
IDIOMS
- reflect well, badly, etc. on sb/sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French reflecter or Latin reflectere , from re- back + flectere to bend.