Deflect vs. Reflect — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
"Deflect" means to cause something to change direction. "Reflect" means to throw back without absorbing it, such as light, heat, or sound.
Difference Between Deflect and Reflect
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Key Differences
"Deflect" generally pertains to altering the path or course of an object, concept, or dialogue, causing it to deviate from its original trajectory. On the other hand, "Reflect" commonly involves the bouncing back of light, sound, or an image after striking a surface. The distinction fundamentally lies in the resultant direction and the interactions involved in both scenarios.
Examining "Deflect" further, it can be seen that it encapsulates an active avoidance or redirection, whether tangible, like a ball, or intangible, like a question. "Reflect" doesn’t exhibit avoidance but demonstrates a reversion or mirroring of whatever is projected, whether physically, as in a mirror, or metaphorically, in contemplation or representation.
"Deflect" embodies a sort of protection or evasion by shifting trajectory and is often used in physical and metaphorical contexts to denote avoidance or redirection. Contrarily, "Reflect" often presents a more passive occurrence, where light or images are mirrored back or where thoughts and expressions represent or consider something in depth, without necessarily altering its essence.
The term "Deflect" might insinuate an aspect of strategy or intentional deviation, used to safeguard, mislead, or bypass. Conversely, "Reflect" signifies a clarity or transparency in reproducing or portraying exactly what is received, whether it be a physical reflection of light or a mental reflection of concepts.
While "Deflect" suggests a change that redirects from an original path or subject, “Reflect” implies a faithful reproduction or consideration of the original subject. Both actions differ in nature, application, and implication, showcasing deviation versus reproduction in their respective utilizations.
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Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
Change of direction or focus
Throwing back without absorbing or careful thinking
Physical Application
Redirects an object's path
Bounces light, sound, or images back
Metaphorical Use
To sidestep or avoid a topic or issue
To contemplate or represent something
Passive or Active
Often active or intentional
Can be passive or contemplative
Example Usage
He managed to deflect the criticism.
The mirror reflects the light in the room.
Compare with Definitions
Deflect
To prevent something from causing damage by altering its path.
The shield could deflect arrows and other projectiles effectively.
Reflect
To throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
The glass building reflects the sunlight brilliantly.
Deflect
To cause something to veer from its expected path.
The player’s swing was meant to deflect the puck.
Reflect
To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something.
His work ethic reflects his dedication.
Deflect
To redirect attention or blame away from oneself.
He tried to deflect the blame onto his colleagues.
Reflect
To express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection.
He reflects that it was the best day of his life.
Deflect
To sidestep or avoid a topic in conversation.
She managed to deflect the interviewer’s personal questions.
Reflect
To throw or bend back (light or sound, for example) from a surface.
Deflect
Cause (something) to change direction; turn aside from a straight course
He attempted to deflect attention away from his private life
The bullet was deflected harmlessly into the ceiling
Reflect
To give back or show an image of (an object); mirror.
Deflect
To turn aside or cause to turn aside; bend or deviate.
Reflect
To make apparent; express or manifest
Her work reflects intelligence.
Deflect
(transitive) To make (something) deviate from its original path.
Reflect
To bring as a consequence
The victory reflects credit on the coach.
Deflect
To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
The defender deflected the cross into his own net.
Reflect
(Archaic) To bend back.
Deflect
(intransitive) To deviate from its original path.
Reflect
To be bent or thrown back
Her voice reflected off the canyon walls.
Deflect
To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
Reflect
To give something back, as light or sound
A shiny surface that reflects well.
Deflect
To divert (attention, etc.).
Reflect
To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something
That student's performance reflects well on the whole school.
Deflect
To cause to turn aside; to bend; as, rays of light are often deflected; to deflect a punch; to deflect criticism by acknowledging a mistake.
Sitting with their knees deflected under them.
Reflect
To bring blame or discredit
Hasty preparation of the report will reflect on you.
Deflect
To turn aside; to deviate from a right or a horizontal line, or from a proper position, course or direction; to swerve.
At some part of the Azores, the needle deflecteth not, but lieth in the true meridian.
To deflect from the line of truth and reason.
Reflect
To think seriously.
Deflect
Prevent the occurrence of; prevent from happening;
Let's avoid a confrontation
Head off a confrontation
Avert a strike
Reflect
To express carefully considered thoughts
In the essay, he reflects on his career.
Deflect
Turn from a straight course , fixed direction, or line of interest
Reflect
(transitive) To bend back (light, etc.) from a surface.
A mirror reflects the light that shines on it.
Deflect
Turn aside
Reflect
(intransitive) To be bent back (light, etc.) from a surface.
The moonlight reflected from the surface of water.
Deflect
Draw someone's attention away from something;
The thief distracted the bystanders
He deflected his competitors
Reflect
(transitive) To mirror, or show the image of something.
The shop window reflected his image as he walked past.
Deflect
Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball);
Block an attack
Reflect
(intransitive) To be mirrored.
His image reflected from the shop window as he walked past.
Deflect
To turn aside from a straight path or course.
The goalie managed to deflect the ball away from the goal.
Reflect
(transitive) To agree with; to closely follow.
Entries in English dictionaries aim to reflect common usage.
Reflect
(transitive) To give evidence of someone's or something's character etc.
The team's victory reflects the Captain's abilities.
The teacher's ability reflects well on the school.
Reflect
(intransitive) To think seriously; to ponder or consider.
People do that sort of thing every day, without ever stopping to reflect on the consequences.
Reflect
To bend back; to give a backwa d turn to; to throw back; especially, to cause to return after striking upon any surface; as, a mirror reflects rays of light; polished metals reflect heat.
Let me mind the reader to reflect his eye on our quotations.
Bodies close together reflect their own color.
Reflect
To give back an image or likeness of; to mirror.
Nature is the glass reflecting God,As by the sea reflected is the sun.
Reflect
To throw back light, heat, or the like; to return rays or beams.
Reflect
To be sent back; to rebound as from a surface; to revert; to return.
Whose virtues will, I hope,Reflect on Rome, as Titan's rays on earth.
Reflect
To throw or turn back the thoughts upon anything; to contemplate. Specifically: To attend earnestly to what passes within the mind; to attend to the facts or phenomena of consciousness; to use attention or earnest thought; to meditate; especially, to think in relation to moral truth or rules.
We can not be said to reflect upon any external object, except so far as that object has been previously perceived, and its image become part and parcel of our intellectual furniture.
All men are concious of the operations of their own minds, at all times, while they are awake, but there few who reflect upon them, or make them objects of thought.
As I much reflected, much I mourned.
Reflect
To cast reproach; to cause censure or dishonor.
Errors of wives reflect on husbands still.
Neither do I reflect in the least upon the memory of his late majesty.
Reflect
Manifest or bring back;
This action reflects his true beliefs
Reflect
To throw or bend back or reflect (from a surface);
A mirror in the sun can reflect light into a person's eyes
Sound is reflected well in this auditorium
Reflect
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
The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate
Reflect
Be bright by reflecting or casting light;
Drive carefully--the wet road reflects
Reflect
Give evidence of a certain behavior;
His lack of interest in the project reflects badly on him
Reflect
Give evidence of the quality of;
The mess in his dorm room reflects on the student
Reflect
To think deeply or carefully about something.
She took a moment to reflect on her journey.
Reflect
To embody or represent something in a faithful or appropriate way.
The laws should reflect the wishes of the population.
Common Curiosities
Can a steersman steer any type of boat?
Typically, yes. A steersman may steer various boats, from smaller rowboats to larger vessels, often with less formal training.
What is the primary duty of a helmsman?
The helmsman is responsible for steering a vessel and maintaining its course based on set instructions.
Does a helmsman have to be professionally trained?
Often, yes. Helmsmen usually have specific training to handle various nautical scenarios, especially on larger ships.
Is “helmswoman” an appropriate term for female helmsmen?
While “helmsman” is traditionally used regardless of gender, “helmswoman” can be used and is understood, respecting personal and societal preferences.
Are there any cultural or historical significances attached to the role of a steersman?
Yes, steersmen have been emblematic of guidance and direction in various cultural stories and nautical histories.
Are there modern technologies that assist helmsmen?
Yes, helmsmen often utilize modern navigation and steering technologies, including autopilots and advanced GPS systems.
Is the term “steersman” common in modern nautical language?
It's less common than “helmsman” and might be considered somewhat antiquated or used for smaller or non-seafaring vessels.
Are steersmen found on larger commercial or military vessels?
Not commonly. Larger vessels generally use the term “helmsman.”
Is “steersman” synonymous with “helmsman”?
Though similar, they’re not strictly synonymous; “helmsman” often pertains to larger ships, while “steersman” can refer to a person steering any boat.
How crucial is a helmsman during a maritime journey?
Very. Helmsmen ensure that the vessel stays on course and avoids obstacles, critical for safe navigation.
What does “at the helm” mean in a broader sense?
It's a metaphor derived from the helmsman’s role, meaning to be in control or in a leadership position.
Can a helmsman take decisions independently while steering?
Typically, helmsmen follow the instructions of officers but might make urgent steering decisions in emergencies.
Does a steersman engage in other activities on smaller boats?
Possibly. A steersman on smaller boats might also engage in fishing, guiding, or other activities.
How are helmsmen and steersmen portrayed in literature and media?
They're often depicted as pivotal to navigation in sea adventures, symbolizing direction, expertise, and sometimes leadership or wisdom.
Can anyone become a steersman, or is training required?
In many contexts, anyone can act as a steersman, though certain situations or vessels might require specific skills or knowledge.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
