reflection
rih-FLEK-shun
/rɪˈflɛk.ʃən/
The bouncing back of light, sound, or heat from a surface; or serious, quiet contemplation.
Requires the angle of incidence to match the angle of reflection on smooth surfaces; metaphorically signifies deep thought.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'reflexio', literally meaning 'a bending back'. Ancient thinkers viewed reflection as light rays hitting a mirror and physically bending backward toward the observer.
Word relationships
- rebound: Rebound implies physical bouncing of solid objects, whereas reflection refers to light waves or thoughts.
- echo: Echo specifically refers to reflected sound waves rather than optical light waves.
- absorption: Absorption swallows energy into matter rather than bouncing it off the surface.
Commonly confused with
- refraction: Reflection bounces light off a boundary; refraction transmits light across a boundary while bending it.
Word family
- reflect (verb): To throw back light or sound; to ponder thoughtfully.
- reflective (adjective): Capable of reflecting light; thoughtful.
- reflector (noun): A surface or device designed to reflect radiation.
Collocations
- specular reflection
- diffuse reflection
- angle of reflection
- quiet reflection
Idioms & expressions
- on reflection
Example sentences
- "The quiet surface of the mountain lake offered a clear reflection of the surrounding pine trees." Landscape observation
- "After long reflection, the scientist realized that the anomalous data pointed to a major discovery." Philosophical study
Memory hook
FLEX in front of the mirror to observe your REFLECTION. Bending back off a surface.
When not to use
Do not use if light penetrates into a material body rather than bouncing away.
Fun facts
- Retroreflectors installed on the Moon during the Apollo missions allow scientists to fire lasers from Earth to measure lunar orbit distance.
Related words
Explore more words
contemplation, contemplative, reverberate, muse, introspection, illumination
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