reflect

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   give evidence of the quality of

   The mess in their dorm room reflects on the student.

2. 2
   verb

   give evidence of a certain behavior

   Their lack of interest in the project reflects badly on them.

3. 3
   verb

   to throw or bend back (from a surface)

   Sound is reflected well in this auditorium

4. 4
   verb

   show an image of

   Their sunglasses reflected the image on the billboard.

5. 5
   verb

   manifest or bring back

   This action reflects their true beliefs.

6. 6
   verb

   be bright by reflecting or casting light

   Drive carefully--the wet road reflects

7. 7
   verb

   To bend back (light, etc.) from a surface.

   A mirror reflects the light that shines on it.

8. 8
   verb

   To be bent back (light, etc.) from a surface.

   The moonlight reflected from the surface of water.

Etymology

From Old French reflecter (“to bend back, turn back”), from Latin reflectō (“to reflect”), from re- (“again”) + flectō (“to bend, to curve”). Compare English reflex.