A2noun1K

Mirror

UK /["/ˈmɪrə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈmɪrər/"]/

Definition

a piece of special flat glass that reflects images, so that you can see yourself when you look in it

In simple words: A glass surface that reflects images.

Examples

  • I looked into the mirror and fixed my hair.
  • The mirror in the bathroom is foggy after the shower.
  • In art class, we were taught how to mirror emotions through our paintings.
  • Some people believe that a broken mirror brings bad luck.
  • He tried to mirror the dance moves of his instructor.

Usage notes

Use 'mirror' when talking about making a reflection or when someone looks at their appearance. In formal writing, it's often used metaphorically, but in everyday conversation it's very common.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'mirror' as seeing your 'me' again.

Collocations

  • bathroom
  • bedroom
  • compact
  • use
  • glance in
  • look in
  • reflect something
  • reveal something
  • show something
  • image
  • reflection
  • in a/​the mirror

Synonyms

  • reflector
  • looking glass
  • glass

Antonyms

  • window

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'miror' — correct spelling is 'mirror'.
  • Used as a verb incorrectly; 'to mirror' means to reflect but it’s not common in everyday conversation.
  • Incorrectly translating to 'speculum' in contexts where 'mirror' is the correct term.