Reflection
/rɪˈflɛk.ʃən/noun
The return of light, sound, or an image from a surface; also, deep thought or consideration.
Did you know?Reflection comes through Latin reflectere, and the same ancient root behind it also gave English words like flex, flexible, and reflux—so the language of mirrors is secretly the language of bending.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰleg- / *plek-
“To bend, weave, or plait”
Latin
Latin
reflectere
“To bend back, turn back”
Late Latin
Latin
reflectiō
“An act of bending back; a return of light or thought”
Old French
Old French
reflection
“Reflection; an image or return”
Middle English
English
reflexioun
“The act of turning back or consideration”
Modern English
English
reflection
“The return of light or image, or serious thought”