reflection

noun

re·​flec·​tion ri-ˈflek-shən 

1

: an instance of reflecting

especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface

2

: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror

3

a

: the action of bending or folding back

b

: a reflected part : fold

4

: something produced by reflecting: such as

a

: an image given back by a reflecting surface

b

: an effect produced by an influence

the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society

5

: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach

a reflection on his character

6

: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation

7

: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose

8

obsolete : turning back : return

9

a

: a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane

b

: a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system

reflectional

ri-ˈflek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms

• comment
• note
• remark

Examples of reflection in a Sentence

She was looking at her reflection in the mirror.

He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.

Recent Examples on the Web

But instead of being a mere lull before the storm of another busy year, this moment presents an extraordinary opportunity: a deliberate pause, inviting deep reflection and the chance to uncover insights that could ignite organizational innovation in the New Year. —Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

In one painting, a trans Narcissus (Borgo) kneels before a puddle under a bleak highway overpass and sees a vibrant new world in his reflection. —Fiona Kerr Thomas Page McBee Ryan Haase Juan A. Ramírez Gage Daughdrill Jo Rodgers, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023

The variables that relate to home-building — job growth, newer housing stock, higher migrant population and so on — tend really to be reflections of population growth. —Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023

MacKinnon is on a sabbatical, which is meant to be a period of rest and reflection. —Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Nov. 2023

Find it on Amazon This Guided Journal To Discover Your Best Self Inspire someone to embark on a journey of self-discovery with this Guided Journal that is filled with prompts and exercises designed to encourage reflection and personal growth. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2023

The output of a lot of those was this condemnation of social media and not really a lot of inward reflection in terms of roles that different parts of the government might have played. —Lauren Goode, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023

But the increase in these cases was also a reflection of two big developments: the evolution of children’s rights and of the science of climate change. —Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Nov. 2023

No, the Packers’ 3-6 record isn’t a reflection of a bad defense. —Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023

See More

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing reflection

• self-reflection
• on/upon reflection
• angle of reflection
• no reflection on

• self-reflection
• on/upon reflection
• angle of reflection
• no reflection on

Kids Definition

reflection

noun

re·​flec·​tion ri-ˈflek-shən 

1

: an instance of reflecting

especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface

2

: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror

3

: an image produced by or as if by a mirror

4

: something that brings blame or disgrace

a reflection on my honesty

5

: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought

6

: careful thought

much reflection on the problem

reflectional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

reflection

noun

re·​flec·​tion

variants also British reflexion

ri-ˈflek-shən 

1

: an instance of reflecting

especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface

2

: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror

3

a

: the action of bending or folding back

b

: a reflected part or a fold

the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum

4

: something produced by reflecting

especially : an image given back by a reflecting surface