Reflection — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ri-ˈflek-shən/ re·flec·tion

Meaning & Definition of Reflection

Reflection (noun)

  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. the action of bending or folding back

Reflection (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a briefly expressed opinion

    "does anyone want to share their reflections on the passage we just read?"

    similar: comment, note, remark
    related: analysis, commentary, exposition, aside, obiter dictum, annotation, belief, conviction, eye, feeling, judgment, mind, notion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view, advice, input

  2. a cause of shame

    "your constant lying is a serious reflection on your character"

    similar: disgrace, dishonor, opprobrium, reproach, scandal
    related: blot, brand, slur, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint
    opposite: credit, honor
    near: boast, glory, jewel, pride, treasure

  3. a careful weighing of the reasons for or against something

    "after reflection, they decided to refuse the offer on the house"

    similar: account, advisement, consideration, debate, deliberation, study, thought
    related: cogitation, contemplation, meditation, pondering, rumination, introspection, agonizing, hesitation, indecision, premeditation
    near: disregard, neglect, short shrift

Related Entry: Self-reflection (noun)

Self-reflection is a different word from Reflection. The synonyms below are for self-reflection, not for reflection.

  1. examination of one's own thoughts and feelings

    "after some self-reflection I realized that I hadn't been honest with my partner"

    similar: introspection, self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching
    related: self-analysis, self-awareness, self-consciousness, self-recognition, introversion, self-absorption, self-centeredness, self-concern, self-involvement, self-actualization, self-discovery, self-exploration, self-fulfillment, self-realization, self-knowledge, self-revelation, self-concept, self-image, self-perception, contemplation, meditation, reflection, rumination

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reflection

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reflection:

comment, note, remark, disgrace, dishonor, opprobrium, reproach, scandal, account, advisement, consideration, debate, deliberation, study, thought

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Reflection

Words with the opposite meaning of Reflection:

credit, honor

Related Words for Reflection

analysis, commentary, exposition, aside, obiter dictum, annotation, belief, conviction, eye, feeling, judgment, mind, notion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view, advice, input, blot, brand, slur, smirch, spot, stain, stigma, taint, cogitation, contemplation, meditation

Near Antonyms of Reflection

boast, glory, jewel, pride, treasure, disregard, neglect, short shrift

Word Forms of Reflection

Derived words: reflectional (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Reflection

Middle English, alteration of reflexion, from Late Latin reflexion-, reflexio act of bending back, from Latin reflectere

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Reflection

Words & Phrases Containing Reflection

angle of reflection, self-reflection, no reflection on, on/upon reflection

Frequently Asked Questions about Reflection

What does "Reflection" mean?

"Reflection" means an instance of reflecting; especially, the return of light or sound waves from a surface. As a noun, it is defined as: an instance of reflecting; especially, the return of light or sound waves from a surface. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Reflection"?

Other words for "Reflection" include comment, note, remark, disgrace, dishonor, opprobrium, reproach and scandal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reflection" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reflection"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reflection". Common alternatives include comment, note, remark, disgrace, dishonor, opprobrium, reproach, scandal, account and advisement.

What is the opposite of "Reflection"?

Antonyms of "Reflection" include credit and honor. Near antonyms include boast, glory, jewel and pride.

How do you use "Reflection" in a sentence?

Examples of "Reflection" in a sentence: "does anyone want to share their reflections on the passage we just read?"; "your constant lying is a serious reflection on your character"; "after reflection, they decided to refuse the offer on the house".

Is "Reflection" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reflection" is a noun.

Is "Reflection" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Reflection" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Reflection"?

"Reflection" is pronounced /ri-ˈflek-shən/ and divided into syllables as re·flec·tion.