What does "reflection" mean?
The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Reflection
/ɹɪˈflɛkʃən/ noun
noun ·Very common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
- Grammar: reflection is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: mirror image, action and reaction, address, adumbration.
- Useful contrasts: unthinking, emissions, energy transport.
- Usage evidence: A week's reflection led to a new plan.
How to use "reflection"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "reflection" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "reflection" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "reflection" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "reflection" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "reflection" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "mirror image" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "reflection", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected. countable, uncountable
- 2 the image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material) wordnet
- 3 The property of a propagated wave being thrown back from a surface (such as a mirror). countable, uncountable
- 4 a likeness in which left and right are reversed wordnet
- 5 Something, such as an image, that is reflected. countable, uncountable
"The dog barked at his own reflection in the mirror."
Show 11 more definitions
- 6 the ability to reflect beams or rays wordnet
- 7 Careful thought or consideration. countable, uncountable
"After careful reflection, I have decided not to vote for that proposition."
- 8 a calm, lengthy, intent consideration wordnet
- 9 A representative manifestation or outcome of a condition, trend or trait. countable, uncountable
"Our recent results are a reflection of the progress we've made as a team."
- 10 a remark expressing careful consideration wordnet
- 11 A representative manifestation or outcome of a condition, trend or trait.; Used to make an implied criticism. countable, uncountable
"It is a reflection on his character that he never came back to see them."
- 12 expression without words wordnet
- 13 The process or mechanism of determining the capabilities of an object at run-time. countable, uncountable
"DynamicMBeanFacade uses Java's reflection API to introspect the managed resource and discover data type information for attributes."
- 14 the phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface wordnet
- 15 The folding of a part; a fold. countable, uncountable
- 16 (mathematics) a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"A week's reflection led to a new plan."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "reflection"?
Common synonyms include: mirror image, action and reaction, address, adumbration, adverse criticism, advisement.
How do you use "reflection" in a sentence?
A week's reflection led to a new plan.
How do you pronounce "reflection"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈflɛkʃən/.
Etymology
From Middle French reflexion, reflection, and its source Late Latin reflexio, from the participle stem of reflectō. The current spelling is influenced by reflect. Equivalent to reflect + -ion.