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Mirror Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mirror

[ˈmɪr.ər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

reflection

A surface, typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, which reflects a clear image of the person or object in front of it.

Synonyms

looking glass, reflecting surface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mirror

Commonly used to refer to any flat surface that reflects light to form an image of whatever is in front of it. Can be used in daily conversations, home decor, and personal grooming contexts.

  • She checked her appearance in the mirror before leaving the house.
  • The living room has a large mirror to make the space look bigger.
looking glass

Often used in a more poetic or literary context, can feel old-fashioned or whimsical. May also be encountered in historical settings or in fairy tales.

  • Alice stepped through the looking glass and entered a fantastical world.
  • The antique shop had a beautiful looking glass among its treasures.
reflecting surface

Used in more technical or scientific contexts, referring to any surface that reflects light, not necessarily flat or used for personal grooming.

  • The telescope's reflecting surface had to be perfectly clean for accurate observations.
  • The reflecting surface of the pond was so still that it mirrored the sky perfectly.

Examples of usage

  • She looked at herself in the mirror.
  • The mirror showed a distorted reflection.
Context #2 | Verb

reflect

To show a reflection of.

Synonyms

copy, mimic, reflect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mirror

Use when you want to imply an exact replica, often used in physical or visual contexts.

  • The new building will mirror the architectural style of the original
  • She looked at herself in the mirror
reflect

Use when speaking about surfaces that throw back light, heat, or sound, or when talking about thoughtful consideration.

  • The lake reflects the mountains beautifully
  • It's a good time to reflect on your past decisions
copy

Use when referring to the act of duplicating text, documents, or any other information without necessarily implying it has to be exact.

  • Can you copy these files for me? The student copied the notes from the board
mimic

Use when describing an act of imitation, often in behavior, gestures, or voice. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation when suggesting mockery.

  • The comedian was able to mimic the president's voice perfectly
  • Children often mimic their parents' actions

Examples of usage

  • The lake mirrored the mountains in its still waters.
  • Her emotions mirrored her facial expressions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Mirrors work by reflecting light; when light hits the smooth surface, it bounces back to create an image.
  • The best mirrors are made of glass coated with a thin layer of silver or aluminum for a clear reflection.
  • Different types of mirrors can distort images, like concave mirrors that can make images appear larger or farther away.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, mirrors symbolize self-reflection and introspection, encouraging individuals to look within themselves.
  • Some belief systems view mirrors as portals to different realms or as tools for divination.
  • Mirrors are often used in various art forms to explore themes of identity and perception.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'mirror, mirror on the wall' is famously associated with Snow White, showcasing themes of vanity and self-image.
  • In movies, mirrors are often used as a plot device to reveal truths, such as in the film 'The Mirror' where reality and perception collide.
  • Mirrors frequently appear in horror films, creating suspense and fear through unexpected reflections.

Psychology

  • Studies have shown that looking in a mirror can influence self-esteem, often improving mood and self-acceptance.
  • The 'mirror effect' refers to how people mimic expressions and behaviors of those they see in mirrors, enhancing social bonding.
  • Therapists sometimes use mirrors in therapy to help clients gain a new perspective on themselves and their emotions.

Origin of 'mirror'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mirror' comes from the Latin word 'mirare', which means 'to look at' or 'to wonder'.
  • The term has been used in English since the 14th century, initially referring to polished metal discs before glass became common.
  • In Old French, the word 'mirour' was used, showcasing the transition of the term through languages.

The word 'mirror' originated from the Old French 'mirour', which in turn came from the Latin 'mirare' meaning 'to look at'. Mirrors have been used for thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians. The concept of mirrors and reflections has been a source of fascination and intrigue throughout history, leading to their use in various cultural, artistic, and scientific contexts.

See also: mirroring.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,839, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.