reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
| \ ri-ˈflek-shən
\
\
Definition of reflection
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
4
: something produced by reflecting: such as
a
: an image given back by a reflecting surface
b
: an effect produced by an influence
the high crime rate is a reflection of our violent society
5
: an often obscure or indirect criticism : reproach
a reflection on his character
6
: a thought, idea, or opinion formed or a remark made as a result of meditation
7
: consideration of some subject matter, idea, or purpose
9a
: a transformation of a figure in which each point is replaced by a point symmetric with respect to a line or plane
b
: a transformation that involves reflection in more than one axis of a rectangular coordinate system
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Other Words from reflection
reflectional
\ ri-ˈflek-shnəl
, -shə-nᵊl \
adjective
, -shə-nᵊl \
adjective
Examples of reflection in a Sentence
She was looking at her reflection in the mirror.
He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.
Recent Examples on the Web
This attitude might be a reflection of larger social and cultural forces in our country. — The Atlantic, "The Conversation," 18 Aug. 2019 Moving the tests from unpopulated areas to a range close to a big city may be a reflection of the military’s increased confidence in the new weapon. — Washington Post, "5 Russian nuclear engineers buried after rocket explosion," 12 Aug. 2019 So perhaps our continued obsession with Manson and his family — and not just in documentaries, but in our imaginations, too — is a reflection of what scares us. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "How the Manson family became a pop culture trope," 8 Aug. 2019 The decision, made by the Western School Corporation superintendent and school board, was a reflection of a time when discrimination against those living with AIDS was common. — Casey Smith, Indianapolis Star, "Ryan White's legacy to be honored with state historical marker in Hamilton County," 6 Aug. 2019 Instead, the judges should believe the lawyers’ claims that the ban was not targeted at any religious group and was not at all discriminatory: the ban was just a reflection of concerns about national security. — Amy Davidson Sorkin, The New Yorker, "The Challenge to Obamacare and a Legal Question: Does What Politicians Say Matter?," 16 July 2019 Deborah Srb, the agent with Sotheby's that sold the property for $26 million, said the sale was a reflection of what is going on in the market. — Anna Bahney, CNN, "Luxury homes in the Hamptons are selling at some pretty steep discounts," 5 Aug. 2019 Are depictions of violence against women, and in particular rape, dangerous, cathartic, voyeuristic or simply a reflection of reality? — Suyin Haynes, Time, "How Much Violence Against Women Is Too Much to Depict Onscreen? The Nightingale Offers One Answer," 2 Aug. 2019 Now, five years after the entrance of Orlando City to MLS, Zusi says MLS All-Star Week is a reflection of how rapidly and successfully soccer has taken off in Central Florida. — Julia Poe, Pro Soccer USA, "MLS all-stars gather for training, enjoy time together," 30 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reflection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for reflection
reflection
noun
English Language Learners Definition of reflection
: an image that is seen in a mirror or on a shiny surface
: something that shows the effect, existence, or character of something else
: something that causes people to disapprove of a person or thing
See the full definition for reflection in the English Language Learners Dictionary
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
| \ ri-ˈflek-shən
\
\
Kids Definition of reflection
1
: the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: an image produced by or as if by a mirror
3
: something that brings blame or disgrace
It's a reflection on my honesty.
4
: careful thought
After much reflection, I agreed.
5
: an opinion formed or a remark made after careful thought
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
variants:
also British reflexion \ ri-ˈflek-shən
\
\
Medical Definition of reflection
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3a