All 11 Uses
reflect
in
Sense and Sensibility
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- So acutely did Mrs. Dashwood feel this ungracious behaviour, and so earnestly did she despise her daughter-in-law for it, that, on the arrival of the latter, she would have quitted the house for ever, had not the entreaty of her eldest girl induced her first to reflect on the propriety of going, and her own tender love for all her three children determined her afterwards to stay, and for their sakes avoid a breach with their brother.†
Chpt 1
- But how she contrives it without reflecting on the character of her own father, who had himself two wives, I know not.†
Chpt 11
- As for Marianne, on the pangs which so unhappy a meeting must already have given her, and on those still more severe which might await her in its probable consequence, she could not reflect without the deepest concern.†
Chpt 28
- I shall never reflect on my former acquaintance with your family in Devonshire without the most grateful pleasure, and flatter myself it will not be broken by any mistake or misapprehension of my actions.†
Chpt 29
- Mrs. Jennings, though regretting that she had not been five minutes earlier, was satisfied with the compromise; and Elinor, as she swallowed the chief of it, reflected, that though its effects on a colicky gout were, at present, of little importance to her, its healing powers, on a disappointed heart might be as reasonably tried on herself as on her sister.†
Chpt 30
- But while she smiled at a graciousness so misapplied, she could not reflect on the mean-spirited folly from which it sprung, nor observe the studied attentions with which the Miss Steeles courted its continuance, without thoroughly despising them all four.†
Chpt 34
- In short, I do not mean to reflect upon the behaviour of any person whom you have a regard for, Mrs. Jennings.†
Chpt 37 *
- And with this pleasing anticipation, she sat down to reconsider the past, recall the words and endeavour to comprehend all the feelings of Edward; and, of course, to reflect on her own with discontent.†
Chpt 40
- Your sister's lovely person and interesting manners could not but please me; and her behaviour to me almost from the first, was of a kind—It is astonishing, when I reflect on what it was, and what SHE was, that my heart should have been so insensible!†
Chpt 44
- Long before I was enough recovered to talk, I was perfectly able to reflect.†
Chpt 46
- Elinor, who had now been for some time reflecting on the propriety or impropriety of speedily hazarding her narration, without feeling at all nearer decision than at first, heard this; and perceiving that as reflection did nothing, resolution must do all, soon found herself leading to the fact.†
Chpt 46
Definitions:
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(1)
(reflect as in: reflect in the mirror) show an image back (on a mirror or other shiny surface)
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(2)
(reflect as in: reflect American Values) to show something -- such as to demonstrate, express, or representThe exact meaning of this sense of reflect depends upon its context. For example:
- "She says the immorality in the movie reflects American values." -- expresses or represents
- "It reflects the selfishness she had seen growing for years." -- demonstrates
- "She did not reflect the panic that surrounded her." -- demonstrate or show indication of
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(3)
(reflect as in: I want to reflect on it.) think carefully -- possibly aloud or in writing
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(4)
(reflect as in: reflect poorly on the school) influence opinionThis word is often used in a phrase like "reflect poorly on/upon...." Although we define this meaning of reflect as "influence opinion", the use of "upon" or "on" might feel more natural if you think of it as "casting a shade of good or bad upon/on" something.
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(5)
(reflect as in: reflect the light/heat/sound) bounce back (rather than absorbing)
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(6)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) See a comprehensive dictionary for less common meanings of reflect.