Reflection Meaning

UK /rɪˈflɛkʃən/
US /rɪˈflɛkʃən/
Word Definition
reflection meaning

Reflection Definition & Usage

noun

The process of reflecting, or the state of being reflected, as in the image seen in a mirror or on a surface of water.

Examples

  • "She gazed at her reflection in the mirror before heading out."
  • "The lake's still surface gave a perfect reflection of the mountains."
  • "The reflection of the city skyline was visible in the calm river."
  • "He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the shop window as he walked past."
  • "The artist painted the reflection of the tree in the pond with great detail."
noun

The process of thinking deeply about something, often in a thoughtful or serious manner.

Examples

  • "After the meeting, he took some time for reflection on the decisions made."
  • "Her reflections on life were profound and often philosophical."
  • "The team leader encouraged self-reflection after the project's completion."
  • "As he sat in the park, he found himself lost in reflection about the past year."
  • "Reflection on his past mistakes helped him grow as a person."
noun

The change in direction of a wave, such as light or sound, when it hits a surface and bounces back.

Examples

  • "The reflection of light on the water made it shimmer in the sunlight."
  • "Mirrors work by reflecting light off their surface."
  • "In physics, reflection is the return of light, sound, or heat when it hits a surface."
  • "The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection in optics."
  • "The study of sound reflection is important in acoustic engineering."

Cultural Context

The word 'reflection' comes from the Latin word 'reflexio,' meaning 'a bending back' or 'a backward movement.' Historically, the term has been used in a variety of contexts, from describing images in mirrors or water to referring to introspective thinking. It also has a strong presence in science, particularly in optics and acoustics.

The Silent Reflection

Story

The Silent Reflection

On a bright autumn morning, Sarah stood by the calm lake, her gaze fixed on the water's surface. The trees on the far side of the lake seemed to melt into the water, creating a perfect reflection. It was as though the world itself had split in two, with each half perfectly mirroring the other. Sarah had always found comfort in this symmetry; it was as if the lake understood her need for peace. As she looked deeper into the reflection, Sarah's thoughts began to drift, and she found herself thinking not about the beauty of the scene but about her life—her choices, her struggles, and the paths she'd taken. She was reflecting not only on the landscape but also on herself, her decisions, and the mistakes she’d made along the way. Her mind wandered further, and she began to wonder about the future. What would the next few years look like? Would she find happiness? Would she ever truly come to terms with the past? She hadn't realized how much time had passed until she felt a light tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw her old friend Mark, who had recently moved back to town. 'You've been standing there for a while,' Mark said with a knowing smile. 'Just reflecting, huh?' He knew her well enough to understand that Sarah often retreated into deep thought when faced with difficult decisions. 'Yeah,' Sarah replied. 'Just thinking about everything.' Mark nodded. 'It’s good to take some time for reflection. It’s how we learn.' As they walked along the shore, Sarah couldn’t help but think that Mark was right. Reflection, whether in a mirror or in one’s heart, was a crucial part of growth. It was like the still water—sometimes the clearest answers came when we gave ourselves the space to see them reflected back at us, undisturbed and pure.'

The Silent Reflection