Definition of reflection
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
3a : the action of bending or folding backb : a reflected part : fold
4 : something produced by reflecting: such asa : an image given back by a reflecting surfaceb : 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
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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 of reflection from the Web
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Through Schnabel's friendships with other artists, notably Lou Reed and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Corsicato reaches toward something deeper and finds dark glimmers of it in a couple of brief but stirring reflections from Schnabel.
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The $1.2 billion deficit was very, very real, and that’s a reflection of the economy.
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Standoffish with the camera, for most of the film Beckey largely avoids self-reflection outside of describing his climbing trips in impressive detail.
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Merkel regards her speech on Europe becoming more active internationally as a reflection of the reality during the Ukraine conflict and the refugee crisis, according to a senior German government official with knowledge of her thinking.
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Watch how Trinity athletics worked on a daily basis in her 19-year run as athletics coordinator, and that was a reflection of her philosophy.
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The sharp increases are a reflection of the unprecedented surge in children — known under immigration laws as unaccompanied minors — who have flooded to the nation’s Southwest border since 2011.
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This Friday in particular—the last day before the start of Ramadan—should have been a time of calm reflection and prayer in Egypt.
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The self-reflection is especially the case as Facebook has wrestled with more questions about its responsibilities and its role in the lives of its users, many of whom rely on the network for news and information.
These 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.
Origin and Etymology of reflection
Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere
Other Physics Terms
REFLECTION Defined for English Language Learners
reflection
playDefinition of reflection for English Language Learners
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: an image that is seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface
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: something that shows the effect, existence, or character of something else
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: something that causes people to disapprove of a person or thing
REFLECTION Defined for Kids
reflection
playDefinition of reflection for Students
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
Medical Dictionary
reflection
Medical Definition of reflection
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
3a: the action of bending or folding backb: 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
Learn More about reflection
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See words that rhyme with reflection Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reflection Spanish Central: Translation of reflection Nglish: Translation of reflection for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reflection for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reflection
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