Reflection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
reflection
[rษชหflษkสษn ]
Definitions
self-improvement
Serious thought or consideration; a thought occurring in consideration or meditation; the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Synonyms
contemplation, meditation, rumination.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reflection |
Used when someone is thinking back or considering their past experiences or actions. It can also mean the mirroring of an image on a surface.
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| contemplation |
Implies deep, serious thought or consideration, often about philosophical or existential matters.
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| meditation |
Refers to a practice where an individual uses techniques like mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
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| rumination |
Involves repetitive thinking, often about negative feelings or problems, and has a more negative connotation than the other terms.
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Examples of usage
- She sat in quiet reflection, pondering the meaning of life.
- His journey to the mountains was a time of deep reflection.
- Reflection is key to personal growth and development.
physics
The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
Synonyms
echo, mirroring, reverberation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reflection |
When discussing thoughts, serious considerations, or physical images bouncing back from a surface.
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| mirroring |
When copying or imitating either behavior, actions, or physical images in a deliberate way.
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| reverberation |
When describing prolonged sound waves bouncing back, often contributing to a rich, resonant effect.
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| echo |
When talking about sound waves bouncing back, or when a statement or idea is repeated or reinforced.
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Examples of usage
- The reflection of the sunlight off the water was blinding.
- The mirror provided a clear reflection of her face.
art
The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
Synonyms
depiction, interpretation, representation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reflection |
Used when talking about careful thought or consideration, often about one's own thoughts or actions, or the reflected image in a mirror or other shiny surface.
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| interpretation |
Used when explaining the meaning of something, such as art, data, or a text, and can vary based on personal or cultural perspectives.
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| representation |
Used to describe how something or someone is portrayed or stands in place of something else, often used in contexts involving symbols, models, or delegation.
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| depiction |
Used when describing how something is represented in a work of art, literature, or media, focusing on the act of showing or describing.
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Examples of usage
- The painting captured the artist's reflection of the cityscape.
- The sculpture's reflection of human emotion was striking.
mirroring
To think deeply or carefully about something.
Synonyms
consider, contemplate, ponder.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| reflection |
Use when discussing deep thought about past actions, or when referring to a mirrored image.
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| contemplate |
Use when someone is thinking deeply or at length about something, often with a sense of seriousness or intention.
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| consider |
Use in situations where someone is thinking carefully about possible options or consequences of a decision.
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| ponder |
Use when someone is thinking about something carefully, often before making a decision, usually more casual than 'contemplate'.
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Examples of usage
- She reflected on her past mistakes and learned from them.
- It's important to reflect on the choices we make.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In physics, reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface, allowing us to see our image.
- A perfect reflection occurs on smooth surfaces, like mirrors, while rough surfaces create scattering of light.
- Reflection plays a crucial role in optics and is essential for creating effective lenses in cameras and glasses.
Psychology
- Self-reflection is the process of thinking about one's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, crucial for personal growth.
- Reflective thinking can enhance problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills, helping individuals make better decisions.
- Studies suggest that regular self-reflection increases emotional intelligence, leading to better relationships and empathy towards others.
Literature
- Many authors use reflection as a theme to explore charactersโ inner thoughts, showcasing their moral dilemmas or growth.
- In poetry, reflections are often metaphors for deeper meaning, symbolizing contemplation or change.
- Classic works like 'Hamlet' feature famous soliloquies where characters reflect on their situations, enhancing the dramatic effect.
Art
- Reflections in art symbolize duality, often representing both reality and illusion, as seen in many surreal artworks.
- Watercolor paintings frequently use reflections to create depth and play with light, mimicking nature's beauty.
- Famous artists like Claude Monet used reflection in their work to capture the fleeting effects of light on water.
Origin of 'reflection'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'reflection' comes from the Latin word 'reflectere,' which means 'to bend back.'
- It entered English in the late Middle Ages, first referring more to thoughts and pondering than to images.
- Both 'reflection' and 'refraction' share roots, with refraction meaning the bending of light, showing a connection between light behavior and visuals.
The word 'reflection' originated from the Latin word 'reflectere', which means 'to bend back'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, from philosophical discussions about self-awareness and introspection to scientific explanations of light and sound phenomena. The concept of reflection is deeply ingrained in human experience, reflecting on both internal thoughts and external phenomena.
See also: reflect, reflectance, reflecting, reflective, reflectively, reflectiveness, reflectivity, reflector.