reflection
UK[rɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n]US[rɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n]
n
The image of something in a mirror or on any reflective surface.
n
Serious and careful thought.
n
The action or process of sending back light, heat, or sound from a surface.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
flect
ion
re
back
flect
bend
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'reflection' originates from the Latin verb reflectere, a compound of re- ("back") and flectere ("to bend"). This literal sense of "bending back" was first applied in the physical realm, describing how light or sound is turned back from a surface. Over time, this concrete meaning was metaphorically extended to the realm of thought, where the mind "bends back" upon itself to contemplate or consider. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of serious thought evolved logically from the original physical action of turning something backward.
Analysis
Structure: re (back) + flect (bend) + ion (noun suffix)
re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again". It indicates a backward or returning action.
flect: From Latin flectere, meaning "to bend". It forms the core meaning of turning or directing.
ion: Latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or result.
Examples
She studied her reflection in the mirror before leaving.
After much reflection, he decided to accept the job offer.
The reflection of the mountains in the lake was perfectly clear.