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Reflect

 [ri-flekt]   Origin

re·flect

   [ri-flekt]
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.
EXPAND
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.
COLLAPSE

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Reflect is one of our favorite verbs.
So is lollygag. Does it mean:
to run away hurriedly; flee.
to spend time idly; loaf.
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Origin:
1350–1400; Middle English reflecten < Latin reflectere to bend back, equivalent to re- re- + flectere to bend

Related forms
re·flect·ed·ly, adverb
re·flect·ed·ness, noun
re·flect·i·bil·i·ty, noun
re·flect·i·ble, adjective
re·flect·ing·ly, adverb
EXPAND
in·ter·re·flect, verb
mis·re·flect, verb
non·re·flect·ed, adjective
non·re·flect·ing, adjective
well-re·flect·ed, adjective
COLLAPSE

Synonyms
4. manifest. 6. rebound. 10. ruminate, deliberate, muse, consider, cogitate, contemplate. See study1.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To Reflect
Collins
World English Dictionary
reflect (rɪˈflɛkt)
 
—vb (usually foll by on)
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.  (tr) to show or express: his tactics reflect his desire for power
4.  (tr) to bring as a consequence: the success of the project reflected great credit on all the staff
5.  (intr; foll by on or upon) to cause to be regarded in a specified way: her behaviour reflects well on her
6.  (intr; foll by on or upon) to cast dishonour, discredit, etc (on): his conduct reflects on his parents
7.  to think, meditate, or ponder
 
[C15: from Latin reflectere to bend back, from re- + flectere to bend; see flex]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

reflect
early 15c., "to divert, to turn aside, deflect," from O.Fr. reflecter (14c.), from L. reflectere (see reflection). Of mirrors or polished surfaces, to shine back light rays or images, 1520s; meaning "to turn one's thoughts back on" is c.1600.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

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.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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