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réfléchir à
/ʁe.fle.ʃiʁ a/
to think about
Il faut réfléchir à cette proposition avant de prendre une décision.
You need to think about this proposal before making a decision.
formal
To consider or ponder something carefully, often with the implication of deliberation or mental effort.
Elle réfléchit à son avenir professionnel.
She is thinking about her professional future.
Nous devons réfléchir à toutes les options possibles.
We need to consider all possible options.
Used to emphasize the act of deliberate consideration, often with a focus on future actions or decisions.
Collocations
réfléchir à une solutionto think about a solutionréfléchir à un problèmeto think about a problemréfléchir à sa réponseto think about one's answer
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: Forgetting 'à'
Always include 'à' when using 'réfléchir' with a noun or infinitive verb. Incorrect: 'réfléchir une décision' → Correct: 'réfléchir à une décision'.
Gold Rule
Structure with 'à'
Use 'réfléchir à' + noun or 'réfléchir à' + infinitive verb. Example: 'Il réfléchit à partir' (He is thinking about leaving).
Word Origin
From Old French 'refléchir' (to bend back, reflect), derived from Latin 'reflectere' (to bend back), from 're-' (back) + 'flectere' (to bend). The preposition 'à' indicates direction or focus.
Usage Notes
Requires the preposition 'à' when followed by a noun or infinitive verb. Do not confuse with 'réfléchir' alone (to reflect, as in light or thought), which does not take 'à'.
Word Breakdown
réfléchir
to think/reflect
verbà
to/about
prepositionDictionnaire Français-Anglais