Mirroring: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing the exact reflection of something, often in technology or psychology, like servers or human behavior.

• The backup system uses mirroring to ensure no data is lost.
• He was mirroring her body language during the conversation.

Often used in a formal context, particularly in business and technology, indicating the process of creating an exact replica to avoid data loss or redundancy.

• There is unnecessary duplication of tasks within the department.
• Data duplication helps in disaster recovery plans.

Typically refers to the process of repeating or reproducing something, often in scientific or technical fields to ensure reliability and consistency.

• The scientific study requires replication to confirm the results.
• Database replication is key for ensuring data integrity.

Commonly used when making an exact duplicate of something, especially in contexts where one object or document resembles another.

• She was caught copying answers during the exam.
• The artist is known for copying famous paintings.

When you are reflecting the actions, behaviors, or attitudes of someone else, often to build rapport or understand them better.

• She began mirroring his body language during the negotiation to create a sense of trust.
• In therapy, mirroring is used to help clients feel understood and validated.

When you are copying someone or something, often used to describe products or actions that replicate the original; it can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation.

• Children learn by imitation, copying the actions of adults around them.
• The market is flooded with cheap imitations of luxury watches.

When you are copying someone's actions or speech in a way that can often be humorous or mocking; it often has a playful or slightly negative connotation.

• He made everyone laugh by perfectly mimicking the teacher’s voice.
• The parrot was mimicking the sounds it heard in the house.

When you are striving to match or surpass someone by imitating their actions, often with a sense of admiration or aspiration.

• He spent years emulating his mentor’s rigorous work ethic.
• She aimed to emulate the success of the company’s founder.