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reflect on

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reflect (back) (up)on someone or something

to remember or think about someone or something. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) When I reflect back on the years I spent with my parents, I think I had a good childhood. I like to reflect on my great-grandmother.

See also: on, reflect

reflect on something

also reflect upon something

to think seriously about something Her essay invites the reader to reflect on the importance of art in people's lives.

See also: on, reflect

reflect on somebody/something

to influence the reputation of a person, group, or organization The outstanding work of our scientists reflects well on the entire university. If someone on our staff does a bad job, it reflects badly on all of us.

Usage notes: always used with an adverb and said of both good and bad influences on a reputation

See also: on, reflect

reflect on

1. Consider or think carefully about, as in She reflected on her country's role in history. [c. 1600] A closely related phrase is on due reflection, meaning "after careful consideration." For example, On due reflection I decided to vote for the incumbent.

2. reflect on one. Give evidence of one's qualities, as in The hasty preparation of this report will reflect on you. [Second half of 1600s]

See also: on, reflect

reflect on

or reflect upon

v.

1. To think carefully about something: He sat in the garden and reflected on what he had just read.

2. To express carefully considered thoughts about something: In the essay, she reflects on her long career and offers advice for young writers.

3. To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something: The student's performance reflects well on the whole school. Hasty preparation of the report will reflect badly on you.

4. To appear as a reflected image on some surface: The trees are reflecting on the water.

5. To cause something to appear as a reflected image on some surface: The window reflected wavy lines on the floor.

See also: on, reflect