All 5 Uses of
reflect
in
And Then There Were None
- Constance Culmington, he reflected to himself, was exactly the sort of woman who would buy an island and surround herself with mystery!
p. 3.1 *reflected = thought
- He stood up and scrutinized himself anxiously in the glass. The face reflected there was of a slightly military cast with a moustache.
p. 15.5 *reflected = shown (back)
- Mr. Justice Wargrave reflected on the subject of Constance Culmington.
p. 38.1reflected = thought
- Lombard reflected a minute.
p. 113.3
- She amused herself by reflecting on the means he might employ.
p. 239.5reflecting = thinking
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) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
See a comprehensive dictionary for less common meanings of reflect.