reflection

An image of someone or something that you see in a mirror, water, or another smooth surface.

• I saw my reflection in the mirror.
• The lake held clear reflections of the trees.
• He smiled at his reflection in the window.

How to use it: reflection in something (She saw her reflection in the shop window.)

Similar words: mirror image

Common phrases: your reflection, reflection in water

The act of thinking carefully about something before forming an opinion or making a decision.

• I need some time for reflection.
• On reflection, the cheaper option seems better.
• Her reflections on the problem helped us decide.

How to use it: on reflection (On reflection, I decided to stay.); reflection on something (We need time for reflection on the proposal.)

Similar words: thought, consideration, contemplation

Common phrases: careful reflection, on reflection, reflection on something

The return of light, sound, or other waves after they hit a surface.

• The mirror causes reflection of light.
• We measured the angle of reflection.
• Sound reflection can make speech unclear in a large hall.

How to use it: reflection of something (The reflection of sound produces an echo.)

Opposites: absorption

Common phrases: reflection of light, sound reflection

Quiet thought about things that happened in the past.

• He spent the evening in reflection.
• Reflection on those years made her smile.
• His diary includes reflections on his childhood.

How to use it: reflection on something (Her reflection on childhood brought back happy memories.)

Similar words: recollection, reminiscence

Common phrases: quiet reflection, reflection on something