reflection
reflection — noun
1. A picture of a person, object, or scene that you see when light bounces off a sm
A picture of a person, object, or scene that you see when light bounces off a smooth, shiny surface such as a mirror, window, or still water.
Layla checked her reflection in the shop window and adjusted her jacket.
The reflection of the old church appeared clearly on the calm surface of the lake.
reflection + of + noun phrase across a surface
Bao smiled at his reflection in the polished metal door of the elevator.
After the rain, the toddler pointed at her reflection in the puddle on the sidewalk.
Rin could see the reflection of the mountains in the dark water of the lake.
文法句型
see one's reflection
reflection + in + mirror/water/glass
reflection + of + noun
常見錯誤
2. The process in which rays or waves, such as light, sound, or heat, strike a surf
The process in which rays or waves, such as light, sound, or heat, strike a surface and are sent back rather than moving through or being absorbed.
Kemi wore sunglasses because the reflection from the white sand was too bright.
Scientists use the reflection of sound waves to create maps of the ocean floor.
reflection + of + [type of wave] + for [purpose]
The reflection of heat from the roof kept the upstairs room warm at night.
Reema learned that the reflection of light allows the human eye to see objects.
A special coating on the glass reduced the reflection of infrared radiation from the building.
- bounce-back
informal; used in everyday language rather than in scientific contexts
- absorption
the opposite process, where energy is taken in rather than sent back
文法句型
reflection + of + light/heat/sound + from + surface
surface reflection
常見錯誤
3. The measurement of the angle between a ray leaving a reflective surface and an i
The measurement of the angle between a ray leaving a reflective surface and an imaginary line at a right angle to that surface.
Rania shone a flashlight at the mirror and measured the reflection angle with a protractor.
concrete demonstration: shine light at mirror + measure with protractor
Ramón adjusted the laser and calculated the reflection angle with a protractor.
When Otis moved the light source, the reflection angle changed by exactly fifteen degrees.
A small shift in the reflection angle of a telescope mirror can blur the image.
- angle of incidence
the angle of the incoming ray before it hits the surface
文法句型
angle of reflection
the reflection angle
用法筆記
Almost always used with a definite article ('the angle of reflection') in physics writing. Singular only; the specific angle under discussion at a given point.
常見錯誤
4. A sign, result, or clear example that shows what something is like or what has c
A sign, result, or clear example that shows what something is like or what has caused a particular situation.
Her high test scores were a direct reflection of the hours she spent studying.
be + a + reflection + of + noun phrase
The rising number of tourists in the town is a reflection of its growing popularity.
Eleni considered her grandmother's old letters a reflection of a very different way of life.
The school's strict uniform policy was a reflection of the community's traditional values.
Reema saw the festival decorations as a reflection of the town's cultural pride.
- indication
more neutral; suggests a clue or piece of evidence rather than a full picture
- demonstration
stronger; implies the result clearly and deliberately shows something
文法句型
be + a + reflection + of + noun phrase
a reflection of
用法筆記
Nearly always followed by the preposition 'of' plus a noun or noun phrase explaining what is being shown or indicated. Usually singular and used with 'a' or 'the'.
常見錯誤
5. The activity of thinking carefully, seriously, and often for a long time about s
The activity of thinking carefully, seriously, and often for a long time about something — for example, reflecting on a past decision, a moral question, or the meaning of an experience.
After a week of quiet reflection, Charlotte decided to accept the job offer in Tokyo.
period of + reflection + before + decision
The book is a collection of the author's personal reflections on friendship and loss.
Eli sat on the park bench for an hour of peaceful reflection before heading home.
Joon wrote down his reflections on the team meeting in a small black notebook.
The teacher asked the class to spend ten minutes in silent reflection before writing.
- contemplation
more formal; stresses sustained, calm attention to something, often spiritual or philosophical
- meditation
implies deeper, more disciplined mental focus, often with a spiritual dimension
文法句型
in + reflection
on + reflection
reflection + on/upon + noun
reflections + on + topic
用法筆記
In countable use (plural 'reflections'), the word refers to a specific thought or comment that comes from careful consideration. In uncountable use, it describes the general mental activity of reflecting.
常見錯誤
6. A result or effect of someone's actions that causes other people to form a negat
A result or effect of someone's actions that causes other people to form a negative opinion about that person or about the group, institution, or family they belong to.
The team's poor sportsmanship during the match was a bad reflection on the whole school.
be + a bad reflection + on + [group noun]
Otis worried that losing his temper at work would be a reflection on his family.
The Senator's offensive comments were a terrible reflection on the office he held.
Layla felt her brother's rude behavior at dinner was a poor reflection on their upbringing.
- credit
something that brings honour or a good reputation
文法句型
be + a + reflection + on + noun phrase
a bad/poor reflection on
用法筆記
Frequently used with an adjective such as 'bad', 'poor', 'terrible', or 'negative' before 'reflection', and always followed by the preposition 'on' plus the person or group that is judged. Almost never used in a positive sense without special context ('good reflection on').