All 4 Uses of
reflect
in
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
- "There's a well behind the house," said Hannah. "Draw some water and wash thy face, child."
Kit let the bucket down, leaning over to watch it meet the far-off circle of reflected sky.p. 93.2 *reflected = shown back (an image as on a mirror or shiny surface)
- Now some men, Kit reflected, could pick up a ball of yarn without looking ridiculous.
p. 120.1reflected = thought
- John is a part of the family already, she reflected. We have all come to love him.
p. 121.5 *
- John took off his hat, leaned his elbows on the fencepost and stood gazing reflectively back at the Meadows, the wind stirring his fair hair.
p. 138.5reflectively = thoughtfully
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.