reflect etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: reflectere, meaning "to bend back, fold back"
  • Proto-Indo-European: *kʰel-, meaning "to turn"

Meaning:

  • To turn or bend back
  • To throw back or cast (light, heat, or sound)
  • To give back or return (something done or experienced)
  • To express or represent accurately or truly
  • To consider carefully or contemplate

Origin:

The word "reflect" originates from the Latin verb "reflectere," which itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kʰel-, meaning "to turn." The Latin verb "reflectere" originally meant "to bend back" or "to fold back." Over time, it took on broader meanings, including "to turn" or "to cast back."

The use of "reflect" in the sense of "to return" or "to give back" developed from the idea of turning or bending something back to its original position. Similarly, the use of "reflect" to mean "to express" or "to represent" stems from the notion of turning or casting back an image or idea.

The introduction of "reflect" into English occurred through Old French in the 14th century. It initially had a more literal meaning of "to bend back" or "to fold back," but gradually acquired its broader meanings as well.

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