reflect

[ri-flekt] /rɪˈflɛkt/
verb (used with object)
1.
to cast back (light, heat, sound, etc.) from a surface:
The mirror reflected the light onto the wall.
2.
to give back or show an image of; mirror.
3.
(of an act or its result) to serve to cast or bring (credit, discredit, etc.) on its performer.
4.
to reproduce; show:
followers reflecting the views of the leader.
5.
to throw or cast back; cause to return or rebound:
Her bitterness reflects gloom on all her family.
verb (used without object)
6.
to be turned or cast back, as light.
7.
to cast back light, heat, etc.
8.
to be reflected or mirrored.
9.
to give back or show an image.
10.
to think, ponder, or meditate:
to reflect on one's virtues and faults.
11.
to serve or tend to bring reproach or discredit by association:
His crimes reflected on the whole community.
12.
to serve to give a particular aspect or impression:
The test reflects well on your abilities.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English reflecten < Latin reflectere to bend back, equivalent to re- re- + flectere to bend
Related forms
reflectedly, adverb
reflectedness, noun
reflectibility, noun
reflectible, adjective
reflectingly, adverb
interreflect, verb
misreflect, verb
nonreflected, adjective
nonreflecting, adjective
well-reflected, adjective
Synonyms
4. manifest. 6. rebound. 10. ruminate, deliberate, muse, consider, cogitate, contemplate. See study1 .
Examples from the web for reflect
  • Many eco-friendly homes have standing-seam metal roofs, which are low maintenance and light in color and also reflect the sun.
  • In an age of spell check and grammar check, errors reflect a carelessness that could be significant.
  • Those factors reflect the controversial nature of foreign-student enrollment, especially in the sciences.
  • Dollar figures do not reflect all pay reductions caused by unpaid furloughs attributed to the recession.
  • It may be that such answers really do reflect the thoughtfully considered priorities of the candidate in question.
  • reflect upon how you will incorporate what you learned from the session and share that in your message.
  • Good practice dictates that you take some time to cool off and reflect about how to answer.
  • Sometimes candidates worry that asking for information will reflect badly on them.
  • In fact, they provide a great new opportunity for us to publish works that reflect the reality around us.
  • Any attention that you bring to this incident might reflect badly on you.
British Dictionary definitions for reflect

reflect

/rɪˈflɛkt/
verb
1.
to undergo or cause to undergo a process in which light, other electromagnetic radiation, sound, particles, etc, are thrown back after impinging on a surface
2.
(of a mirror, etc) to form an image of (something) by reflection
3.
(transitive) to show or express: his tactics reflect his desire for power
4.
(transitive) to bring as a consequence: the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff
5.
(intransitive; foll by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way: her behaviour reflects well on her
6.
(intransitive; foll by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on): his conduct reflects on his parents
7.
(intransitive) usually foll by on. to think, meditate, or ponder
Word Origin
C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend; see flex
Word Origin and History for reflect
v.

late 14c., "turn or bend back;" early 15c., "to divert, to turn aside, deflect," from Old French reflecter (14c.), from Latin reflectere "bend back, turn back" (see reflection). Of mirrors or polished surfaces, to shine back light rays or images, early 15c.; meaning "to turn one's thoughts back on" is c.1600. Related: Reflected; reflecting.

reflect in Medicine

reflect re·flect (rĭ-flěkt')
v. re·flect·ed, re·flect·ing, re·flects

  1. To bend back.

  2. To throw or bend back light, heat, or sound from a surface.

  3. To think seriously.

  4. To send back a motor impulse in response to a sensory stimulus.