Reflection

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈflɛkʃən/

Definitions

1. The image of something seen in a mirror, water, or other reflective surface, or careful thought about a topic
2. An image formed by light bouncing off a surface or the process of contemplating one's thoughts and experiences
3. The likeness of an object seen in a mirror or other shiny surface, as well as the act of reflecting upon ideas or emotions

Etymology: The word "reflection" carries a physical meaning at its core: an image thrown back from a surface, such as a face in a still pond or a figure in a mirror. That literal sense came first, and the more abstract senses of careful thought and reconsideration grew out of it, as when we "reflect" on an event by turning it over in our minds. The English form descends from Middle French "reflexion" and, before that, from Late Latin "reflexio", a noun built on the past participle stem of the Latin verb "reflectere", meaning "to bend back". Medieval English took the word in as "refleccion" and related spellings, and the modern spelling was later shaped by its close relative "reflect", which is why the two look so alike.

Synonyms: mirror image, image, thought, contemplation, consideration

Antonyms: lack of thought, disregard, negligence, impulsiveness, inattention