reflection
/rɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n
/noun
1 [mass noun] The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it: the reflection of light...
- It was a beautifully worked out theory and explained most of the observed phenomena of light such as reflection, refraction, diffraction etc.
- These signals are based on the controlled reflection of polarized light from the body surface.
- His discovery of the polarisation of light by reflection was published in 1809 and his theory of double refraction of light in crystals in 1810.
Synonyms
sending back, throwing back, casting back, mirroring, backscattering
1.1 [count noun] An amount of light, heat, or sound that is reflected by a body or surface: the reflections from the street lamps gave them just enough light...
- Polarized lenses on sunglasses help to reduce glare by not allowing the polarizations that come from reflections through but allowing other light through.
- Light reflections off the chrome surface, reflective windows, everything is used to make you believe you're part of the action.
- The receiving devices samples a plurality of points on the near side of the structure to detect vibrations resulting from reflections of the sound wave from the object.
1.2 [count noun] An image seen in a mirror or shiny surface: Marianne surveyed her reflection in the mirror...
- Given the way these were lit, the viewer could see not only the photographs, but also reflections of the installation mirrored in their framing glass.
- One nuance Duguay revels in throughout the film is the use of mirrors, windows and reflections.
- This past election was a mirror reflection of the level of concern there is within our community and others throughout Manitoba.
Synonyms
image, mirror image, likeness;
echo
1.3 [count noun] A thing that is a consequence of or arises from something else: a healthy skin is a reflection of good health in general...
- Both observations could be seen as a reflection or consequence of the cognitive mechanisms underlying sentence processing.
- Yet if we view the Government's recent behaviour as a collective reflection of what happens to each of us when we are under pressure, then things become clearer.
- Our lips are a reflection of our inner health and as such, they deserve the same care and consideration as the rest of our body.
Synonyms
indication, display, demonstration, manifestation;
expression, attestation, proof, evidence
1.4 [in singular] A thing bringing discredit to someone or something: it was a sad reflection on society that because of his affliction he was picked on...
- There is no sign of the ‘retired’ Keane in the squad but that is no reflection on the assistance he readily offered Munster for the first two games of the competition.
- We have a very loyal and hard-working workforce and this decision is no reflection on their commitment to our business.
- He said the reshuffle was no reflection on the talents of the people stepping down, but was necessary for the ‘radical change’ the business needed.
Synonyms
slur, aspersion, imputation, censure, reproach, shame, criticism, source of discredit, derogation
2 [mass noun] Serious thought or consideration: he doesn’t get much time for reflection...
- This gives me considerable pause, but on further reflection I remain of the opinion that he should be confirmed as Chief Justice of the United States.
- At first it depressed me that people gauged their popularity by how many texts they received, but on further reflection I realised that it's nothing new.
- But on further reflection we decided that such a limit was really not necessary.
Synonyms
thought, thinking, consideration, contemplation, study, deliberation, pondering, meditation, musing, rumination, cogitation, brooding, agonizing
rare cerebration
2.1 [count noun] An idea about something, especially one that is written down or expressed: reflections on human destiny and art...
- Barthes's qualities may be best displayed in fragments like the following, a self-conscious reflection upon writing.
- No one has yet published a treasure-trove of the private written reflections of our current president.
- Take out a notebook and write down your reflections.
Synonyms
opinion, thought, view, viewpoint, belief, feeling, idea, impression, conclusion, judgement, assessment, estimation;
comment, observation, remark, statement, utterance, pronouncement, declaration
3 [count noun] Mathematics The conceptual operation of inverting a system or event with respect to a plane, each element being transferred perpendicularly through the plane to a point the same distance the other side of it.If the plane contains the main rotation axis then it is usually called a vertical reflection plane; and if it is perpendicular to the main rotation axis it is known as a horizontal reflection plane....
- There are 880 magic squares of order 4, again excluding reflections and rotations of each pattern.
- Barring rotations and reflections, there are 536 distinct solutions.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French reflexion or late Latin reflexio(n-), from Latin reflex- 'bent back', from the verb reflectere.
Rhymes
- well fed
- well-feed
- well-feeding
- well-feigned
- well-fenced
- well-fermented
- well-filed
- well-filled
- well-finished
- well-fitted
- well fitting
- well-fixed
- well-flavored
- well-flavoured
- well-fledged
- well-fleeced
- well-fleshed
- well-fletched
- well-floored
- well-floured
- well-flowered
- well-flowering
- well-forged
- well formed
- well-formedness