by reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing insights or conclusions drawn from careful thought or consideration of a subject. Example: "By reflection, I realized that my initial assumptions were flawed and needed reevaluation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The angular dependence of the reflectance and differential phases induced by reflection and transmission were presented.

Optics & Laser Technology

It resembled Tourettic or savantlike speed, the speed of the preconscious, undelayed by reflection.

The New Yorker

Coatings also reduce loss of light by reflection in the desired rays.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pain of the loss is all around her, but she feels it only by reflection.

The New York Times

Gray regards such hope as utopian, but it can be supported both by experience and by reflection.

The New York Times - Books

Seismic waves initiated at the shot point may reach the receiving point by reflection, refraction, or both.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later the dome had a plaster surface and the lights were diffused by reflection, playing on its inside surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arab astronomers sometimes viewed the Sun by reflection in water to diminish its brightness when watching for eclipses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Much of the discussion was about what was wrong with the country and, by reflection, with Mr. Karzai's leadership.

The New York Times

"So in the future, the sister of the past, I may see myself as I sit here now but by reflection from that which then I shall be".

The New Yorker

Light may be polarized by reflection or by passing it through filters, such as certain crystals, that transmit vibration in one plane but not in others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by reflection" to indicate a conclusion or understanding reached through careful consideration and analysis, often involving looking back at past events or experiences. It adds a tone of thoughtfulness and considered judgment to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reflexion" when you mean "reflection". While "reflexion" exists, it's less common and often considered archaic, especially in contexts related to thought or consideration. "Reflection" is the standard term for both physical mirroring and mental contemplation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by reflection" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the means or manner by which something is achieved or understood. It describes a process of thoughtful consideration leading to a conclusion, as Ludwig highlights.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by reflection" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, indicating a conclusion or understanding reached through thoughtful consideration. While not exceedingly common, it is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, especially in scientific, news, and encyclopedic writing. Its primary function is to modify a verb or clause, specifying the process of careful thought. For alternative phrasing, consider "upon consideration" or "through contemplation". When using "by reflection", ensure you're referring to mental contemplation rather than physical mirroring, and avoid the less common "reflexion".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon consideration

Replaces 'by' with 'upon', slightly emphasizing a formal and deliberate assessment.

through contemplation

Substitutes 'reflection' with 'contemplation', highlighting deep and thoughtful consideration.

on closer examination

Emphasizes a more detailed scrutiny leading to a conclusion.

in retrospect

Focuses on understanding something after it has happened, using past events as a means of analysis.

as a result of thinking

Replaces the single word 'reflection' with a longer phrase that makes the action more explicit.

indirectly

Emphasizes the influence or effect stemming from something else, rather than direct action.

by way of consequence

Highlights the resulting impact or outcome through a chain of events or reasoning.

through indirect influence

Explicitly states the influence is not direct, emphasizing a subtle or secondary effect.

with careful thought

Highlights the diligent and thorough nature of the thinking process.

after deliberation

Implies a formal and structured process of considering different sides of an issue before reaching a conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "by reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "by reflection" to indicate that something is understood or achieved through careful thought and consideration. For example, "By reflection, I realized the importance of my actions." It's similar to saying "upon consideration" or "through contemplation".

What does "by reflection" mean?

"By reflection" means arriving at a conclusion or understanding after careful thought and consideration, often involving looking back on past events or experiences.

What's a good alternative to "by reflection"?

Good alternatives include "upon consideration", "through contemplation", or "in retrospect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "by reflection" formal or informal?

"By reflection" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and news-related contexts. It is not typically used in very informal settings.