reflection

12 synonyms and 1 antonym for reflection, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — An image or copy of something formed by light bouncing off a surface.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

image consideration observation expression

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

meditation manifestation

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

mirror image contemplation musing rumination reflexion reflectivity

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

An image or copy of something formed by light bouncing off a surface.

“The still pond gave a perfect reflection of the mountains.”

image mirror image contemplation meditation musing consideration observation expression manifestation rumination reflexion reflectivity

2. noun

Careful thought or consideration.

“On reflection, I think we should have asked for more help.”

Opposites

haste

How to use reflection

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

reflection in the mirror on reflection a reflection of society

Etymology

From Late Latin reflexio, from reflectere ("to bend back"). Spelling later influenced by "reflect."

Full origin of reflection →

Frequently asked questions

What does “reflection” mean?

The word “reflection” means an image or copy of something formed by light bouncing off a surface. In plain terms, a mirrored image, deep thought, or a sign that reveals something about a situation.

How do you pronounce “reflection”?

“Reflection” is pronounced rih-FLEHK-shuhn (/ɹɪˈflɛkʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “reflection” in a sentence?

Here is “reflection” used in a sentence: “She caught her reflection in the shop window.”

What part of speech is “reflection”?

“Reflection” is a noun.

Where does the word “reflection” come from?

The word “reflection” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin reflexio, from reflectere ("to bend back"). Spelling later influenced by "reflect.".

Is “reflection” a common word?

“Reflection” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “reflection” have?

“Reflection” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an image or copy of something formed by light bouncing off a surface.

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Reflection is when light bounces off a surface to form an image, as in a mirror. Refraction is when light bends as it passes from one material into another, such as from air into water.

What is the difference between reflection and contemplation?

Both involve careful thought. Reflection often means looking back on experiences or ideas to gain understanding, while contemplation suggests deep, sustained, sometimes meditative thinking about a subject.

What preposition goes with reflection?

In the thinking sense, reflection is usually followed by on or upon, as in reflection on the past. In the light sense, we speak of a reflection in a mirror or in water.

People also searched

image expression consideration observation meditation manifestation haste contemplation rumination musing reflexion

Nearby words

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