reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'reflection' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an act of thinking deeply or carefully about something, or to describe an object that shows a mirror-like image or light. Example sentence: After a long day at work, I spent some time in silent reflection.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the fact that more than fifteen per cent of personal consumption expenditures now go to medical care, when in 1930 only three per cent of personal consumption did, isn't a reflection of frivolity, and that's not going to change any time soon.

The Economist

Thousands gathered by the Capitol reflection pool in Washington on Saturday to march, chant, and listen to speakers and performers as part of Stop Watching Us, a gathering to protest "mass surveillance" under NSA programs first disclosed by the whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

In the world of the Bucca alumni, there is little room for revisionism, or reflection.

The Guardian

"The human eye can spot it because we're so used to looking at our own reflection, so we subconsciously know all those tiny details and it's that final 5% of realism that takes the most time to achieve.

The Guardian

The short oration, which begins, "Four score and seven years ago", is remembered as a momentous reflection on what the Civil War meant for the survival of United States and the viability of liberty.

The Guardian

In Scotland, her performance is likely to have been judged even more winning, a reflection, in part, of her sure political touch.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That NUJ members were prepared to take strike action is a measure of that concern, and a reflection of how low morale at the corporation has fallen.

The Guardian

Clinton's apology echoed a reflection – racist and arrogant as it was – in my grandfather's letters: "The natives work with delightful laziness under their enormous hats and sparse beards.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sara's diary is a reflection of the perils in the city she lives in – Karachi – where an average of eight people are killed in assassinations and clashes between rival factions every day.

The Guardian

Facebook's founder and chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, is in second place, a reflection of the global reach of the social network that now has 1.35 billion users.

The Guardian

All of the charities I have worked for have admirable principles underpinning their work – youth voice, democratic decision-making, dialogue, agency, reflection.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a visual image, ensure the context clearly indicates the mirroring aspect of "reflection".

Common error

While "reflexion" is an older variant of "reflection", stick to the more common and widely accepted spelling "reflection" in modern writing to avoid appearing archaic or making your text seem less credible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "reflection" is that of a noun. It can refer to the act of serious thought or consideration or to an image seen in a mirror or other reflective surface. Ludwig AI examples show it is often used to describe careful thought about past events or decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "reflection" is a grammatically correct and versatile noun in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and scientific writing, "reflection" signifies both deep contemplation and mirrored imagery. While "reflexion" exists as an older variant, "reflection" is the preferred modern spelling. To enhance clarity, consider using synonyms like "contemplation" or "consideration" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplation

Emphasizes a deep, thoughtful consideration, often in a philosophical or spiritual context.

consideration

Highlights the act of carefully thinking about something before making a decision.

deliberation

Suggests a more formal and structured process of discussing and weighing different options.

introspection

Focuses on examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

meditation

Implies a focused mental exercise, often for relaxation or spiritual awareness.

rumination

Suggests a deep and often prolonged thought process, sometimes with a negative connotation.

mirror image

Refers specifically to a visual representation or likeness.

echo

Indicates a similarity or repetition of something.

reverberation

Suggests a lasting impact or effect.

assessment

Focuses on evaluating or judging something.

FAQs

How to use "reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "reflection" to describe the act of thinking deeply about something, as in, "After much reflection, I decided to change my career path." It can also refer to a mirrored image, such as, "I saw my reflection in the water".

What can I say instead of "reflection"?

You can use alternatives like "contemplation", "consideration", or "introspection" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "reflection" or "reflexion"?

"Reflection" is the more common and widely accepted spelling in modern English. "Reflexion" is an older variant but is now rarely used.

What's the difference between "reflection" and "reflexion"?

"Reflection" is the standard spelling, while "reflexion" is an archaic variant. While both refer to the same concept, using "reflection" will ensure your writing is current and clear.