December 27, 2020 Word of the Day
reflects; reflected; reflecting
Taking a moment to reflect
Definition of REFLECT
1 a [no object] of light, sound, etc. : to move in one direction, hit a surface, and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction — usually + off
The light reflected off the mirror.
The sound of our voices reflected off the walls of the tunnel.
1 b [+ object]
◊ When a surface reflects light, sound, or heat, it causes the light, sound, or heat that hits it to move or bounce away in a different direction.
A polished surface reflects light.
The tiles are used to reflect heat.
The moon shines with reflected light. [=the moon shines because it is reflecting the light that shines on it from the sun]
2 [+ object] : to show the image of (something) on a surface
The old church is reflected in the glass exterior of the skyscraper.
The clouds were reflected [=mirrored] in the surface of the lake.
3 [+ object] : to show (something) : to make (something) known
Her book clearly reflects her beliefs.
Where you learned a language is reflected in your accent.
4 a [no object] : to cause people to think of someone or something in a specified way — + on or upon
The book leaves out things that might reflect badly/poorly on him. [=things that might make him look bad]
Your achievement reflects well on your school. = Your achievement reflects credit on your school. [=your achievement shows that your school taught you well]
4 b [no object] : to cause people to disapprove of someone or something — + on or upon
His bad behavior reflects on all of us.
5 a [no object] : to think carefully about something
You should take some time to reflect before you make a decision.
— often + on or upon
I've been reflecting on my experiences here.
5 b [+ object] : to think or say (something) after careful thought
She was disappointed with their decision, but she reflected that it could have been worse.
“It could have been worse,” she reflected.
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