Meaning & use
reflexion
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of thinking carefully about something; serious thought.
Grammar: Can be used with or without 'a': 'on reflexion' (uncountable) or 'a reflexion on life' (countable).
Patterns
- on reflexion
- reflexion on something
On reflexion, she decided not to accept the job offer.
His reflexions on the events of that year were published later.
After much reflexion, they chose to move abroad.
nouncountable or uncountabletechnical
The return of light, heat, or sound from a surface; an image seen in a mirror or water.
Grammar: Often used in scientific contexts; the plural 'reflexions' is rare.
Patterns
- reflexion of light
- reflexion in a mirror
The reflexion of the moon on the lake was beautiful.
In physics, we study the reflexion of light rays.
Word forms
| plural | reflexions |
|---|
Common combinations
- on reflexion
- On reflexion, I think you are right.
- quiet reflexion
- She needed a moment of quiet reflexion.
- reflexion of light
- The reflexion of light off the water blinded him.
Synonyms and how they differ
- reflection
- The standard modern spelling in both British and American English; use this instead of 'reflexion' in almost all contexts.
- thought
- A more general word for ideas in your mind; 'reflexion' suggests deeper, more careful thinking.
Word family
- reflect verb
- To think carefully, or to send back light or sound.
- reflective adjective
- Thinking deeply, or able to reflect light.
Commonly confused: reflexion or reflection?
reflexion vs reflection
The usual spelling. 'Reflexion' is an old variant; using it today may look like a mistake.
Practice
Which sentence uses the standard modern spelling?
Choose one answer.
'Reflection' is the standard spelling in both British and American English. 'Reflexion' is an old variant and is rare, so option 1 is the natural choice.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “reflexion”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.