How to pronounce reflect
Say it like rih-FLEKT. Reflect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEKT).
- rih
- FLEKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reflect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FLEKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of reflect
American and British speakers say reflect in essentially the same way: /rɪˈflɛkt/ in the US and /rɪˈflɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-FLEKT.
What does reflect mean?
- manifest or bring back“This action reflects his true beliefs”
- reflect deeply on a subject“I mulled over the events of the afternoon”“philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years”
- to throw or bend back (from a surface)“Sound is reflected well in this auditorium”
Where does reflect come from?
From Old French reflecter (“to bend back, turn back”), from Latin reflectō (“to reflect”), from re- (“again”) + flectō (“to bend, to curve”).
Words that rhyme with reflect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reflect.
Questions about saying reflect
How do you pronounce reflect?
Say rih-FLEKT. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈflɛkt/. In British English it is /rɪˈflɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reflect?
Reflect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEKT). Broken into parts: rih · FLEKT.
Do Americans and Brits say reflect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈflɛkt/ and the British form is /rɪˈflɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.