Looking glass Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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looking glass
[ˈlʊkɪŋ ɡlæs ]
Definitions
reflection
A looking glass is a mirror that you can see yourself in.
Synonyms
mirror, reflecting surface.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| looking glass |
Ideal for use in literary or historical contexts, often associated with an old-fashioned or poetic touch.
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| mirror |
Most commonly used in everyday language to refer to any surface that reflects an image.
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| reflecting surface |
Used in a more technical or scientific context, often when describing the physical property of reflection.
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Examples of usage
- I stared at my reflection in the looking glass.
- She adjusted her hair in the looking glass before leaving the house.
literary
In literature, a looking glass is often used as a metaphor for self-reflection and introspection.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| looking glass |
Used in poetic or old-fashioned language, often found in literature or fairy tales.
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| mirror |
Commonly used in everyday speech to refer to a reflective surface, typically found in bathrooms, bedrooms, and cars.
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| reflection |
Refers to the image seen in a reflective surface; can also be used metaphorically to mean careful thought or consideration.
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Examples of usage
- The poem uses the looking glass as a symbol of self-awareness.
- He gazed into the looking glass, contemplating his past choices.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The phrase 'looking glass' is famously used in Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking-Glass,' exploring themes of duality and perception.
- In Shakespeare's works, mirrors are often symbols of vanity and truth, suggesting a complex relationship with self-image.
- Edgar Allan Poe also played with the idea of reflections in his story 'William Wilson,' which delves into identity and moral conflict.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, mirrors are believed to hold mystical properties, often associated with divination and self-discovery.
- Kintsugi, a Japanese art form, involves repairing broken pottery with gold and suggests that imperfections reveal deeper beauty, akin to reflections in a looking glass.
- In some traditions, looking into a mirror at night is thought of as a way to summon spirits or see into the future.
Physics
- The science of reflection involves light bouncing off surfaces, with mirrors typically made of glass coated with a reflective material.
- Concave mirrors can focus light to a point, making them valuable in telescopes and magnifying glasses.
- Reflective surfaces can affect how we perceive colors and shapes, creating optical illusions in art and design.
Pop Culture
- In movies, mirrors are often used to symbolize a character's self-exploration or secrets, as seen in films like 'Snow White' and 'The Mirror Has Two Faces.'
- The 'Mirror Universe' trope in various sci-fi series, including 'Star Trek,' explores alternate realities, often reflecting darker aspects of humanity.
- Video games like 'Alice: Madness Returns' utilize mirrors to transport players to fantastical, distorted versions of reality.
Origin of 'looking glass'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Middle English 'lookin glasse,' which referred to a mirror.
- In Old English, 'glæs' meant 'glass,' connecting the material directly to its reflective purpose.
- Historically, plain glass was enhanced with silvering to create clearer reflections, giving rise to the modern mirror.
The term 'looking glass' originated in the 14th century and was used to describe a mirror or reflective surface. The word 'looking' refers to the act of seeing or observing, while 'glass' originally referred to a mirror made of glass. Over time, the phrase 'looking glass' became a common term for a mirror in everyday language and literature.