reflection
noun
re·flec·tion ri-ˈflek-shən 
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a
: the action of bending or folding back
b
: a reflected part : fold
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
8
obsolete : turning back : return
9
a
: 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
reflectional
ri-ˈflek-shnəl
adjective -shə-nᵊl
Synonyms
- comment
- note
- remark
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
She was looking at her reflection in the mirror. He saw the reflections of the clouds on the lake.
Recent Examples on the Web That’s partly a reflection of global trends, as competition among domestic and international streaming platforms continues to drive demand for new content. 
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 Sep. 2022 That’s just a reflection of the number of different phenomena in the world right now and the level of complexity that businesses are managing through. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 At the school board meeting last week, President Brenda Wolff acknowledged that the initial document uploaded online was not a correct reflection of how the school system procured the contract. Nicole Asbury, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 This is more a reflection of QB Dak Prescott likely missing the next 6-8 weeks, but Lamb was quiet against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even when Prescott was on the field, catching just two passes for 29 yards. Tony Holm, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 Based on the playwright’s extensive research and interviews with real residents of Reading, Pennsylvania, Sweat is a topical reflection of the present and poignant outcome of America’s economic decline. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2022 The first bill, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, would update the Electoral Count Act of 1887 to ensure the electoral votes Congress tallies are an accurate reflection of each state’s presidential vote. Nolan D. Mccaskill, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 The break from tradition was a remarkable reflection of the antipathy between the two men. Robin Pogrebin, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 The British pound slid to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since 1985, a reflection of the U.K. economy’s dire economic situation. Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 4 Sep. 2022 See More
Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 15 Sep. 2022 That’s just a reflection of the number of different phenomena in the world right now and the level of complexity that businesses are managing through. Fortune Editors, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2022 At the school board meeting last week, President Brenda Wolff acknowledged that the initial document uploaded online was not a correct reflection of how the school system procured the contract. Nicole Asbury, Washington Post, 13 Sep. 2022 This is more a reflection of QB Dak Prescott likely missing the next 6-8 weeks, but Lamb was quiet against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even when Prescott was on the field, catching just two passes for 29 yards. Tony Holm, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2022 Based on the playwright’s extensive research and interviews with real residents of Reading, Pennsylvania, Sweat is a topical reflection of the present and poignant outcome of America’s economic decline. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 12 Sep. 2022 The first bill, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act, would update the Electoral Count Act of 1887 to ensure the electoral votes Congress tallies are an accurate reflection of each state’s presidential vote. Nolan D. Mccaskill, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2022 The break from tradition was a remarkable reflection of the antipathy between the two men. Robin Pogrebin, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 The British pound slid to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar since 1985, a reflection of the U.K. economy’s dire economic situation. Chelsey Dulaney, WSJ, 4 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing reflection
Kids Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion ri-ˈflek-shən
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
Medical Definition
reflection
noun
re·flec·tion
variants also British reflexion
ri-ˈflek-shən
1
: an instance of reflecting
especially : the return of light or sound waves from a surface
2
: the production of an image by or as if by a mirror
3
a
: the action of bending or folding back
b
: a reflected part or a fold
the mesentery is a reflection of the peritoneum
4
: something produced by reflecting
especially : an image given back by a reflecting surface
reflection
noun
1
as in remark
a briefly expressed opinion does anyone want to share their reflections on the passage we just read? Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- remark
- note
- comment
- view
- analysis
- commentary
- mind
- exposition
- feeling
- belief
- judgment
- input
- sentiment
- conviction
- judgement
- annotation
- advice
- eye
- notion
- aside
- verdict
- obiter dictum
- persuasion
2
as in scandal
a cause of shame your constant lying is a serious reflection on your character Synonyms & Similar Words
- scandal
- disgrace
- stain
- reproach
- dishonor
- taint
- opprobrium
- spot
- blot
- stigma
- brand
- slur
- smirch
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- credit
- honor
- pride
- glory
- treasure
- jewel
- boast
3
as in consideration
a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something after reflection, they decided to refuse the offer on the house Synonyms & Similar Words
- consideration
- deliberation
- thought
- study
- contemplation
- debate
- account
- introspection
- pondering
- meditation
- advisement
- rumination
- cogitation
- hesitation
- indecision
- agonizing
- premeditation
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- short shrift