reflect
verb
re·flect
| \ ri-ˈflekt
\
\
reflected;
reflecting;
reflects
Definition of reflect
1
: to prevent passage of and cause to change direction
a mirror reflects light
2
: to give back or exhibit as an image, likeness, or outline : mirror
the clouds were reflected in the water
3
: to bring or cast as a result
his attitude reflects little credit on his judgment
4
: to make manifest or apparent : show
the painting reflects his artistic vision the pulse reflects the condition of the heart
6
: to bend or fold back
1
: to throw back light or sound
2a
: to think quietly and calmly
b
: to express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection
3a
: to tend to bring reproach or discredit
an investigation that reflects on all the members of the department
b
: to bring about a specified appearance or characterization
an act which reflects well on her
c
: to have a bearing or influence
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Examples of reflect in a Sentence
The old church is reflected in the glass exterior of the skyscraper.
Her book clearly reflects her beliefs.
Where you learned a language is reflected in your accent.
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Recent Examples on the Web
That reflects more intense competition over the most affordable rentals. — Elliot Njus, oregonlive, "Portland-area rents are growing faster," 30 Aug. 2019 The announcement reflects Trump's challenges pleasing both the corn and oil industries, two key political constituencies ahead of next year's presidential election that have repeatedly clashed over U.S. biofuel policies. — Washington Post, "France, U.S. to lead global digital tax effort," 30 Aug. 2019 This unfortunate situation reflects the serious consequences of high-stakes standardized tests, which can impact a student’s ability to graduate or obtain crucial financial assistance for college. — James Vaznis, BostonGlobe.com, "Controversial MCAS question hurt scores of some black students, study finds," 30 Aug. 2019 Now 75 years old, Hutton, the new Global Brand Ambassador for StriVectin skin care, reflects on her adventurous life and reveals a few surprises in this week’s PEOPLE. — Liz Mcneil, PEOPLE.com, "Lauren Hutton Says She Got Botox Once But Accepts Her Wrinkles: 'I've Let Go That I Look Like a Miniature Shar-Pei'," 30 Aug. 2019 Cage reflects the future Alpha figure in San Francisco: a nerdy guy, not good in social situations, powered by intelligence and prone to angry outbursts. — Peter Hartlaub, SFChronicle.com, "The enduring appeal of ‘The Rock,’ beloved San Francisco film," 29 Aug. 2019 The staging largely reflects the candidates' standing in polls, with the strongest candidates closest to the middle. — NBC News, "Biden's surrounded at the next Democratic debate," 29 Aug. 2019 The outsized kicker reflects an unexpected jump in state revenue. — Hillary Borrud | The Oregonian/oregonlive, oregonlive.com, "Oregon taxpayers set to get a $1.6 billion ‘kicker’ rebate next year," 28 Aug. 2019 The amount reflects the city’s portion of the $116,400 total cost of installation. — Sara Cardine, La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada City Council issues temporary ban on electronic message signs," 28 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for reflect
reflect
verb
English Language Learners Definition of reflect
of light, sound, etc.
: to move in one direction, hit a surface, and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction
: to show the image of (something) on a surface
: to show (something) : to make (something) known
See the full definition for reflect in the English Language Learners Dictionary
reflect
verb
re·flect
| \ ri-ˈflekt
\
\
reflected;
reflecting
Kids Definition of reflect
1
: to bend or throw back (waves of light, sound, or heat)
A polished surface reflects light.
2
: to give back an image or likeness of in the manner of a mirror
The clouds were reflected in the water.
3
: to make known
The book reflects her beliefs.
4
: to cause to be thought of in a specified way or in a bad way
Your poor behavior reflects on the whole class.
5
: to think seriously and carefully about
I reflected on the problem.
reflect
transitive verb