reflect

reflect
\ \ [15] To reflect something is etymologically to ‘bend it back’. The word comes via Old French reflecter from Latin reflecterebend back’, a compound verb formed from the prefix re- ‘back’ and flecterebend’ (source also of English deflect [17], flex [16], flexible [15], inflect [15], etc). The word’s optical application is a post-Latin development.
\ \ Cf.DEFLECT, FLEX, FLEXIBLE, INFLECT

Word origins - 2ed. . 2005.

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  • Reflect — Re*flect v. i. 1. To throw back light, heat, or the like; to return rays or beams. [1913 Webster] 2. To be sent back; to rebound as from a surface; to revert; to return. [1913 Webster] Whose virtues will, I hope, Reflect on Rome, as Titan s rays… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • reflect — REFLÉCT, reflecte, s.n. (înv.) Reflex. – Din fr. reflet (după reflecta). Trimis de IoanSoleriu, 13.09.2007. Sursa: DEX 98  REFLÉCT s. v. oglindire, proiectare, răsfrân gere, reflectare, reflex. Trimis de siveco, 13.09.2007. Sursa: Sinonime … …   Dicționar Român

  • Reflect — Re*flect (r?*fl?kt ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Reflected}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Reflecting}.] [L. reflectere, reflexum; pref. re re + flectere to bend or turn. See {Flexible}, and cf. {Reflex}, v.] 1. To bend back; to give a backwa?d turn to; to throw… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • reflect — [v1] give back cast, catch, copy, echo, emulate, flash, follow, give forth, imitate, match, mirror, rebound, repeat, repercuss, reply, reproduce, resonate, resound, return, reverberate, reverse, revert, shine, take after, throw back; concepts… …   New thesaurus

  • reflect — ► VERB 1) throw back (heat, light, or sound) without absorbing it. 2) (of a mirror or shiny surface) show an image of. 3) represent in a faithful or appropriate way. 4) (reflect well/badly on) bring about a good or bad impression of. 5) (reflect… …   English terms dictionary

  • reflect — [ri flekt′] vt. [ME reflecten < MFr reflecter < L reflectere < re , back + flectere, to bend] 1. to bend or throw back (light, heat, or sound) 2. to give back an image of; mirror or reproduce 3. to cast or bring back as a consequence:… …   English World dictionary

  • reflect on — (something) to think seriously about something. Her essay invites the reader to reflect on the importance of art in people s lives …   New idioms dictionary

  • reflect — I (mirror) verb bounce back, cast back, copy, ditto, emulate, give back, give forth, imitate, ostendere, rebound, repeat, reproduce, send back, show an image, simulate, throw back II (ponder) verb analyze, brood over, cerebrate, cogitare,… …   Law dictionary

  • reflect — (v.) early 15c., to divert, to turn aside, deflect, from O.Fr. reflecter (14c.), from L. reflectere (see REFLECTION (Cf. reflection)). Of mirrors or polished surfaces, to shine back light rays or images, 1520s; meaning to turn one s thoughts back …   Etymology dictionary

  • reflect on — (someone/something) to influence the reputation of a person, group, or organization. The outstanding work of our scientists reflects well on the entire university. If someone on our staff does a bad job, it reflects badly on all of us. Usage… …   New idioms dictionary

  • reflect — *think, cogitate, reason, speculate, deliberate Analogous words: *consider, contemplate, study, weigh: *ponder, muse, meditate, ruminate …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

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