Verb > Reflect
1 a : (no object) of light, sound, etc. : to move in one direction, hit a surface, and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction ¡X usually + off
The light reflected off the mirror.
The sound of our voices reflected off the walls of the tunnel.
1 b : (+ object)
When a surface reflects light, sound, or heat, it causes the light, sound, or heat that hits it to move or bounce away in a different direction.
A polished surface reflects light.
The tiles are used to reflect heat.
The moon shines with reflected light. (=the moon shines because it is reflecting the light that shines on it from the sun)
2 : (+ object) : to show the image of (something) on a surface
The old church is reflected in the glass exterior of the skyscraper.
The clouds were reflected (=mirrored) in the surface of the lake.
3 : (+ object) : to show (something) : to make (something) known
Her book clearly reflects her beliefs.
Where you learned a language is reflected in your accent.
4 a : (no object) : to cause people to think of someone or something in a specified way ¡X + on or upon
The book leaves out things that might reflect badly/poorly on him. (=things that might make him look bad)
Your achievement reflects well on your school. = Your achievement reflects credit on your school. (=your achievement shows that your school taught you well)
4 b : (no object) : to cause people to disapprove of someone or something ¡X + on or upon
His bad behavior reflects on all of us.
5 a : (no object) : to think carefully about something
You should take some time to reflect before you make a decision.
¡X often + on or upon
I’ve been reflecting on my experiences here.
5 b : (+ object) : to think or say (something) after careful thought
She was disappointed with their decision, but she reflected that it could have been worse.
¡§It could have been worse,¡¨ she reflected.