C1noun 2K

Reflection

🇬🇧 UK /["/rɪˈflekʃn/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/rɪˈflekʃn/"]/

Meaning of Reflection

an image in a mirror, on a shiny surface, on water, etc.

In simple words: Thinking about something you did or experienced.

Reflection in a sentence

• The reflection of the mountains in the lake was breathtaking.
• She studied her reflection carefully in the mirror before the interview.
• The reflection of the sun on the water made it difficult to see.
• His thoughtful reflection on the event helped everyone understand the deeper issues.
• After some reflection, she decided to change her career path.
• The reflection of the sound waves from the canyon walls created an echo.
• Reflection of light is responsible for the colors we see in a rainbow.

How to use Reflection

Use 'reflection' when discussing thoughts about past experiences or opinions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious using it in casual conversations where simpler words might be more common.

Grammar pattern

reflection + on [topic]

Memory hint

Think of 'reflecting' like looking in a mirror—you're seeing your thoughts.

Related words

Collocations with Reflection

• clear
• dim
• faint
• catch
• catch a glimpse of
• catch sight of
• look…
• appear
• stare (back)
• in a/​the reflection
• reflection in
• reflection on
• heat
• light
• sound
• reflection from
• the angle of reflection
• accurate
• fair
• good
• give (somebody)
• provide
• reflection of
• reflection on
• reflection upon
• careful
• deep
• mature
• encourage
• invite
• prompt
• show somebody/​something
• after reflection
• on reflection
• upon reflection
• a moment of reflection
• a moment’s reflection
• a period of reflection
• interesting
• poignant
• brief
• have
• offer
• reflection about
• reflection on
• reflection upon
• accurate
• fair
• good
• give (somebody)
• provide
• reflection of
• reflection on
• reflection upon

Synonyms for Reflection

• contemplation
• thought
• consideration
• meditation
• rumination

Opposites of Reflection

• ignorance
• disregard
• neglect

Common mistakes with Reflection

• Confused with 'refraction' which relates to light.
• Used inappropriately in plural form as 'reflections' when referring to the process of thinking about a single experience.
• Misunderstood the meaning as only a physical mirror image.

Frequently asked questions about Reflection

What does Reflection mean?

Thinking about something you did or experienced.

What is the definition of Reflection?

an image in a mirror, on a shiny surface, on water, etc.

How do you use Reflection in a sentence?

The reflection of the mountains in the lake was breathtaking.

Can you give another example of Reflection?

She studied her reflection carefully in the mirror before the interview.

What are synonyms for Reflection?

Common alternatives include contemplation, thought, consideration, meditation, rumination.

What is the opposite of Reflection?

Opposite meanings include ignorance, disregard, neglect.

What words go with Reflection?

It commonly pairs with clear, dim, faint, catch, catch a glimpse of, catch sight of, look…, appear, stare (back), in a/​the reflection, reflection in, reflection on, heat, light, sound, reflection from, the angle of reflection, accurate, fair, good, give (somebody), provide, reflection of, reflection on, reflection upon, careful, deep, mature, encourage, invite, prompt, show somebody/​something, after reflection, on reflection, upon reflection, a moment of reflection, a moment’s reflection, a period of reflection, interesting, poignant, brief, have, offer, reflection about, reflection on, reflection upon, accurate, fair, good, give (somebody), provide, reflection of, reflection on, reflection upon.

What are common mistakes when using Reflection?

Confused with 'refraction' which relates to light. Used inappropriately in plural form as 'reflections' when referring to the process of thinking about a single experience. Misunderstood the meaning as only a physical mirror image.

How do you pronounce Reflection?

US: /["/rɪˈflekʃn/"]/, UK: /["/rɪˈflekʃn/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Reflection?

Use 'reflection' when discussing thoughts about past experiences or opinions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious using it in casual conversations where simpler words might be more common.

What CEFR level is Reflection?

"Reflection" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.