reflect

/ri'flekt/

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The word "reflect" is a verb that has a few different meanings, but they all involve the idea of showing or thinking deeply about something. Let's break it down:

Basic Meaning:

1. To show or demonstrate: When something reflects, it shows an image or evidence of something else.

   • Example: "The mirror reflects my image." This means when you look in the mirror, you can see yourself.

2. To think deeply about something: When you reflect on a subject, you think about it carefully and consider it deeply.

   • Example: "I need to reflect on my choices before making a decision." This means you need to think carefully about your options.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "reflect" in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
• When using it physically, think about light or images being shown back at you.
• When using it metaphorically, think about considering your thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.

Example Sentences:

1. Physical reflection: "The calm lake reflects the trees around it." (The water shows an image of the trees.)
2. Metaphorical reflection: "Her poor grades reflect her lack of effort in studying." (Her grades show that she didn’t put in enough effort.)

Advanced Usage:

• The phrase "reflect on" is often used when talking about thinking deeply about something.
  • Example: "He reflected on his experiences during the trip."

Word Variants:

• Reflection (noun): The act of reflecting or the image that is shown back.
  • Example: "The reflection in the water was beautiful."
• Reflective (adjective): Relating to deep thought or a surface that can show images.
  • Example: "She had a reflective mood after reading the book."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Meaning: Light bouncing off a surface.
   • Example: "The sun reflects off the snow, making it very bright."
2. Behavioral Meaning: Indicating a quality or characteristic of someone or something.
   • Example: "His behavior reflects his upbringing."

Synonyms:

• Show
• Demonstrate
• Indicate
• Think about
• Contemplate

Idioms:

• "Reflect on": to think deeply about something.
  • Example: "After the meeting, I had time to reflect on what was discussed."

Phrasal Verb:

• There isn't a common phrasal verb specifically for "reflect," but you can use phrases like "reflect back" to emphasize the idea of returning an image or thought.
  • Example: "The glass reflects back the light very well."

Summary:

"Reflect" is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts. Whether you are talking about light, behavior, or deep thinking, it shows how something can reveal or demonstrate another aspect.

Academic

Verb

1. give evidence of the quality of
   • The mess in his dorm room reflects on the student
2. give evidence of a certain behavior
   • His lack of interest in the project reflects badly on him
3. show an image of
   • her sunglasses reflected his image
4. be bright by reflecting or casting light
   • Drive carefully--the wet road reflects
5. to throw or bend back (from a surface)
   • Sound is reflected well in this auditorium
6. reflect deeply on a subject
   • I mulled over the events of the afternoon
   • philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
   • The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate
7. manifest or bring back
   • This action reflects his true beliefs

Synonyms

• shine
• reverberate