reflected
UK[rɪˈflɛktɪd]US[rɪˈflɛktɪd]
adj
(of light, heat, or sound) thrown back from a surface.
adj
(of an action or situation) showing or resulting from careful thought.
adj
(of a thought or feeling) experienced deeply and thoughtfully.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
flect
ed
re
back, again
flect
bend
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'reflected' originates from the latin verb reflectere, a compound of re- ("back") and flectere ("to bend"). this literal sense of "bending back" was applied to physical phenomena, such as light or sound waves being turned back from a surface. over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to describe the mental process of "bending one's thoughts back" upon themselves, leading to the abstract senses involving contemplation and consideration. the addition of the '-ed' suffix adapts the past participle of the verb into an adjective, describing a state of having been thrown back or thoughtfully considered.
Analysis
Structure: re (back, again) + flect (bend) + ed (adjective suffix)
re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "back" or "again".
flect: from latin flectere, meaning "to bend".
ed: old english origin, a suffix used to form adjectives from verbs, indicating a state or condition.
Examples
the reflected moonlight created a shimmering path on the water.
her decision was a reflected response to the complex ethical dilemma.
he spoke with a calm, reflected wisdom that impressed the audience.