Looking glass: meaning, definitions and examples

Ideal for use in literary or historical contexts, often associated with an old-fashioned or poetic touch.

• He gazed into the looking glass, seeing a reflection of his younger self.
• The looking glass on the mantelpiece had been in the family for generations.

Most commonly used in everyday language to refer to any surface that reflects an image.

• She checked her appearance in the bathroom mirror before leaving.
• The living room mirror made the space look much larger.

Used in a more technical or scientific context, often when describing the physical property of reflection.

• The scientists examined the reflecting surface of the experimental apparatus.
• The architect designed the building with numerous reflecting surfaces to play with light.

Used in poetic or old-fashioned language, often found in literature or fairy tales.

• She gazed into the looking glass, pondering her future.
• Through the looking glass, she could see the magical world beyond.

Commonly used in everyday speech to refer to a reflective surface, typically found in bathrooms, bedrooms, and cars.

• He checked his hair in the mirror before leaving the house.
• The mirror on the wall cracked when it fell.

Refers to the image seen in a reflective surface; can also be used metaphorically to mean careful thought or consideration.

• She admired her reflection in the store window.
• After much reflection, he decided to change careers.