re- ‘back’ + flectere ‘to bend’

source: Anime Reflect GIF - Anime Reflect Reflections - Discover & Share GIFs

1. with object (of a surface or body) throw back (heat, light, or sound) without absorbing it:

〈物が〉〈光･熱など〉を反射する; 〈音〉を反響する

e.g. when the sun's rays hit the Earth a lot of the heat is reflected back into space

e.g. (as adjective reflected) : his eyes gleamed in the reflected light.

(of a mirror or shiny surface) show an image of:

〖通例be ～ed〗 〈人･物(の像)などが〉 【鏡などに】映る, 映し出される «in»

e.g. he could see himself reflected in Keith's mirrored glasses.

embody or represent (something) in a faithful or appropriate way:

〈物･事が〉〈状況･感情など〉を反映する, 表す, 示す; 〖～ wh節〗 …であるかを反映する (!通例進行形にしない)

e.g. schools should reflect cultural differences

e.g. stocks are priced at a level that reflects a company's prospects.

(of an action or situation) bring (credit or discredit) to the relevant parties:

«…に» (結果として)〈信用･不信など〉をもたらす, 招く «on, upon»

e.g. the main contract is progressing well, which reflects great credit on those involved.

no object (reflect well/badly on) bring about a good or bad impression of:

〈出来事･状況などが〉 «…に» 影響を及ぼす, 印象, 評判をもたらす «on, upon» (!通例well, badlyなどの〖副詞〗を伴うが, 悪い意味の場合は伴わずにも用いられる)

e.g. the incident reflects badly on the operating practices of the airlines.

2. no object (reflect on/upon) think deeply or carefully about:

【事を】熟考する «on, upon»

e.g. he reflected with sadness on the unhappiness of his marriage

e.g. with clause : Charles reflected that maybe there was hope for the family after all.

archaic make disparaging remarks about.

late Middle English: from Old French reflecter or Latin reflectere, from re- ‘back’ + flectere ‘to bend’.