SINCE 1828
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
| \ ri-ˈflek-shən
\
\
Definition of reflection
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
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
9a
: 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
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Other Words from reflection
reflectional
\ ri-ˈflek-shnəl
, -shə-nᵊl \
adjective
, -shə-nᵊl \
adjective
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
Let’s be honest, many of our habits are a reflection of the women who raised us. — Jennifer Ford, Essence, "Lala Swears By This $3 Eye Makeup Remover," 7 July 2019 The upcoming Royal Visit is a reflection of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to its relations with Pakistan. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Duchess Kate and Prince William's Royal Visit to Pakistan Has Been Confirmed," 30 June 2019 Understand that what people say and do is a reflection of them and not of you. — Tribune Content Agency, oregonlive.com, "Horoscope for June 29, 2019: Taurus, could be an uphill battle to gain someone’s confidence; Cancer, don’t assume," 29 June 2019 Perhaps that’s a reflection of a show that always knew its mission, paying loving homage to a particular time, the magical years when Steve Silver’s merry band defined this zany city for so many. — Leah Garchik, SFChronicle.com, "TSA asks the question: When is a shake a quiver?," 5 June 2019 There’s for sure a part of this that’s a reflection of the discord. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, "Dick Costolo Talks Airtable Investment, Twitter, Donald Trump, and Silicon Valley," 29 June 2018 My values are a reflection of my experience growing up in the Crenshaw District. — Tim Arango, New York Times, "Why Los Angeles Could Be the Setting for the ‘Most Important D.A. Race’ in the U.S.," 21 June 2019 That is partly a reflection of his character, because his sense of grievance swamps his feelings of triumph. — The Economist, "Donald Trump launches his re-election campaign," 20 June 2019 In some instances, this may be a reflection of historical gender roles, where mothers are viewed as more natural caregivers, and fathers as having limited parenting capabilities that need supervision or correction. — Sonja Haller, USA TODAY, "Dads say they get shamed, too. Like moms, they feel the sting of 'you're doing it wrong'," 19 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for reflection
reflection
noun
English Language Learners Definition of reflection
: an image that is seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface
: something that shows the effect, existence, or character of something else
: something that causes people to disapprove of a person or thing
See the full definition for reflection in the English Language Learners Dictionary
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
| \ ri-ˈflek-shən
\
\
Kids Definition of reflection
1
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: an image produced by or as if by a mirror
3
: something that brings blame or disgrace
It's a reflection on my honesty.
4
: careful thought
After much reflection, I agreed.
5
: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
variants:
also British reflexion \ ri-ˈflek-shən
\
\
Medical Definition of reflection
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3a
: 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
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