adj Common

reflected

rih-FLEHK-tihd

Reflected (adj) means Bounced back off a surface, as light or sound. Example: “The reflected sunlight lit up the whole cave.”

adj

Bounced back off a surface, as light or sound.

"The reflected sunlight lit up the whole cave."

Gained indirectly through association with someone else's success or fame.

"He basked in the reflected glory of his daughter's award."

How to Use Reflected

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBounced back (light/sound), or (for glory/pride) gained secondhand through someone else.

Common pairings

reflected light reflected glory

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The _____ sunlight lit up the whole cave.

Synonyms

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mirrored bounced echoed thrown back borrowed secondhand

Related Words

used borrowed bounced mirrored secondhand vicarious

Rhymes for reflected

erected elected expected dejected directed affected detected selected effected infected projected deflected

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “reflected” mean?

The word “reflected” means bounced back off a surface, as light or sound. In plain terms, bounced back (light/sound), or (for glory/pride) gained secondhand through someone else.

How do you pronounce “reflected”?

“Reflected” is pronounced rih-FLEHK-tihd (/ɹɪˈflɛktɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “reflected” in a sentence?

Here is “reflected” used in a sentence: “The reflected sunlight lit up the whole cave.”

What part of speech is “reflected”?

“Reflected” is an adjective.

Is “reflected” a common word?

“Reflected” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “reflected” have?

“Reflected” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: bounced back off a surface, as light or sound.

What is the difference between 'reflected' and 'refracted'?

Reflected light or sound bounces back off a surface, like an echo or a mirror image. Refracted light bends as it passes through a surface such as water or glass, so reflection sends waves back while refraction lets them through at an angle.

What is the difference between 'reflected' and 'reflective'?

Reflected describes light, sound, or credit that has been bounced back or gained indirectly. Reflective describes a surface able to reflect, such as a reflective vest, or a person given to deep thought.

What is reflected light?

Reflected light is light that has bounced back off a surface rather than passing through it or being absorbed. Most of what we see is reflected light, since objects appear visible when they bounce light back to our eyes.

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used borrowed bounced mirrored secondhand vicarious