Bounces back light, heat, or sound from a surface, or shows an image of something. Also means to think deeply about something or to demonstrate a particular quality or characteristic.
From Latin 'reflectere', combining 're-' (back) and 'flectere' (to bend). Originally meant to bend back physically, then extended to light bouncing back, and finally to mental contemplation as a metaphor for mind 'bouncing back' thoughts.
The word 'reflects' beautifully demonstrates how physical metaphors become mental ones - we use the same word for mirrors bouncing back light and minds 'bouncing back' thoughts during contemplation!
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