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re·flect (rĭ-flĕkt)
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v. re·flect·ed, re·flect·ing, re·flects
v.tr.
1. To throw or bend back (light or sound, for example) from a surface.
2. To give back or show an image of (an object); mirror.
3. To make apparent; express or manifest: Her work reflects intelligence.
4. To bring as a consequence: The victory reflects credit on the coach.
5. Archaic To bend back.
v.intr.
1. To be bent or thrown back: Her voice reflected off the canyon walls. See Synonyms at echo.
2. To give something back, as light or sound: a shiny surface that reflects well.
3.
a. To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something: That student's performance reflects well on the whole school.
b. To bring blame or discredit: Hasty preparation of the report will reflect on you.
4.
a. To think seriously. See Synonyms at think.
b. To express carefully considered thoughts: In the essay, he reflects on his career.
[Middle English reflecten, from Old French reflecter, from Latin reflectere, to bend back : re-, re- + flectere, to bend.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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