Reflekter

Reflekter is a verb used in several Scandinavian languages, notably Danish and Norwegian, with senses connected to turning something back or reconsidering. The core idea spans both physical and mental domains: to reflect light or sound, and to reflect in a figurative sense by thinking carefully about a subject. The word derives etymologically from the Latin reflectere, meaning to bend back or turn back, through the history of Romance and Germanic languages into the Scandinavian tongues.

In optics, reflekter denotes the phenomenon of reflection, where waves such as light bounce off a surface. When light encounters a smooth, polished surface, the angle at which it arrives (the angle of incidence) equals the angle at which it leaves (the angle of reflection). This principle underpins mirrors and many optical devices. Surfaces that are rough cause diffuse reflection, scattering light in many directions rather than producing a clear image.

In a cognitive and social context, reflektere means to think about or to consider something. It is commonly used to describe deliberate contemplation, analysis, or evaluation of actions, experiences, or ideas. In education and professional practice, the concept of reflective practice emphasizes learning through reviewing and reframing one's own actions and outcomes. Phrases such as reflektere over or reflektere på are used to indicate turning one's thoughts back onto a topic or situation in order to gain insight or improve future performance.

See also: reflection (optics), reflective practice, contemplation.