What does the root 'flect' signify?

The root 'flect' signifies the concept of bending. This root is derived from the Latin word 'flectere', which means 'to bend' or 'to turn'. In English, you can see this root in various words, such as "reflect," which involves bending back light or an idea, and "deflect," which refers to the act of bending away from a straight path. Words that contain the root 'flect' typically relate to bending or changing direction, further emphasizing its significance. Understanding this root can help clarify the meanings of several complex words in the English language that involve bending in a metaphorical or literal sense.