reflect
/rɪˈflekt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To bounce back light, heat, sound, or an image from a surface. A mirror reflects your face.
- The lake reflected the sunset.
- Glass reflects light very well.
- 2.
To think carefully about something. It often means quiet, serious thought.
- I need time to reflect on this decision.
- She reflected on her mistakes.
- 3.
To show or express something clearly, especially a feeling, opinion, or quality.
- His tone reflected anger.
- The report reflects the company's views.
Adinary Nuance
Reflect is broader than think. You reflect on a problem when you think about it carefully and with time. It is also more formal than look back or consider, so it often fits writing, study, and serious conversation. When it means 'show,' it is close to reveal or express, but it suggests an indirect sign rather than a direct statement.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- phản chiếu
- Spanish
- reflejar
- Chinese
- 反映
- Japanese
- 反映する
- Korean
- 반영하다
Etymology
Reflect comes from Latin reflectere, meaning 'to bend back.' It entered English through Old French in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
reflect onreflect lightreflect well onreflect badly on
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is reflect formal or informal?
- It is neutral, but it often sounds a little formal in the 'think carefully' meaning.
- What is the difference between reflect and think?
- Think is general. Reflect means to think more carefully and for longer.
- Can reflect mean 'show'?
- Yes. It can mean that something shows a quality, feeling, or opinion clearly.
- How do I use reflect in IELTS writing?
- It is useful in formal writing, especially for ideas, results, and personal thought.