re ‧ flec ‧ tion W3 /rɪˈflekʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ reflection , ↑ reflector ; verb : ↑ reflect ; adjective : ↑ reflective ]
1 . [countable] an image that you can see in a mirror, glass, or water:
Can you see your reflection in the glass?
2 . [uncountable and countable] careful thought, or an idea or opinion based on this:
A moment’s reflection will show the stupidity of this argument.
on/upon reflection
At first I disagreed, but on reflection (=after thinking carefully about it) , I realized she was right.
3 . [countable] something that shows what something else is like, or that is a sign of a particular situation
reflection of
His speech was an accurate reflection of the public mood.
be a reflection on somebody/something (=show how good or bad someone or something is)
On some level, a student’s grades are a reflection on the teacher.
4 . [uncountable] the action or process of light, heat, or sound being thrown back from a surface
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 3)
■ adjectives
▪ an accurate/true reflection
These reports were not an accurate reflection of existing attitudes.
▪ a fair reflection (=reasonable and right)
The score was 4 – 1, which was a fair reflection of the difference between the sides.
▪ a direct reflection
The child’s behaviour is a direct reflection of its parents' behaviour.
▪ a sad reflection
This situation is a sad reflection on society.
▪ a pale reflection (=similar to, but not as good as, something else)
The film is only a pale reflection of the book.