Mirror vs. Reflect: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
A mirror is an object that reflects light, producing an image, while reflect means to throw back light or sound without absorbing it.
Difference Between Mirror and Reflect
A mirror is typically a piece of glass with a reflective coating on one side. This object is specifically designed to give a clear, often detailed image of whatever is in front of it. Reflect, on the other hand, is a verb that describes the action of light or sound being thrown back without being absorbed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Mirrors are commonplace in daily life, found in bathrooms, vehicles, and makeup compacts, among other items. Reflect encompasses a broader range of scenarios beyond just mirrors. For instance, water can reflect the sky, or walls can reflect sound.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
To "mirror" can also be used figuratively, suggesting that something closely resembles or imitates something else. Reflect has its figurative meanings too, such as pondering upon or considering something deeply.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
While all mirrors reflect, not everything that reflects is a mirror. A calm lake, for instance, reflects the trees on its shore but isn't a mirror. A mirror's primary function is to reflect images, while many other surfaces or objects might reflect incidentally.
William
Sep 26, 2023
In the realm of technology, mirror might refer to creating an exact copy of data or systems. Reflect might be used in the sense of software or websites that adjust or "reflect" changes made elsewhere.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Mirror vs. Reflect Comparison Chart
Mirror vs. Reflect Definitions
◉Mirror
An object that gives a faithful representation of something else.
His actions were a mirror of his true intentions.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Reflect
To think deeply or carefully about something.
She reflected on her past decisions.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Mirror
A polished surface that forms images by reflecting light.
She looked in the mirror to fix her hair.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Reflect
To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something.
His grades reflect his dedication to studying.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
◉Mirror
To reflect in or as if in a mirror.
The play mirrors the society of its time.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Reflect
To bend or fold back.
The tree's branches reflected the force of the wind.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Mirror
An exact copy of a data set, especially a website.
The server has a mirror site for backup.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Reflect
To throw or bend back (light or sound, for example) from a surface.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
A surface capable of reflecting sufficient undiffused light to form an image of an object placed in front of it. Also called looking glass.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
Something that faithfully reflects or gives a true picture of something else.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To make apparent; express or manifest
Her work reflects intelligence.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To bring as a consequence
The victory reflects credit on the coach.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
To reflect in or as if in a mirror
"The city mirrors many of the greatest moments of Western culture" (Olivier Bernier).
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
A smooth surface, usually made of glass with reflective material painted on the underside, that reflects light so as to give an image of what is in front of it.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To be bent or thrown back
Her voice reflected off the canyon walls.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
(figuratively) An object, person, or event that reflects or gives a picture of another.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To give something back, as light or sound
a shiny surface that reflects well.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To give evidence of the characteristics or qualities of someone or something
That student's performance reflects well on the whole school.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To bring blame or discredit
Hasty preparation of the report will reflect on you.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
(historical) A kind of political self-help book, advising kings, princes, etc. on how to behave.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
(transitive) Of an event, activity, behaviour, etc, to be identical to; to be a copy of.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To express carefully considered thoughts
In the essay, he reflects on his career.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(transitive) To bend back (light, etc.) from a surface.
A mirror reflects the light that shines on it.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(intransitive) To be bent back (light, etc.) from a surface.
The moonlight reflected from the surface of water.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
A looking-glass or a speculum; any glass or polished substance that forms images by the reflection of rays of light.
And in her hand she held a mirror bright,Wherein her face she often viewèd fair.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(transitive) To mirror, or show the image of something.
The shop window reflected his image as he walked past.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
That which gives a true representation, or in which a true image may be seen; hence, a pattern; an exemplar.
She is mirour of all courtesy.
O goddess, heavenly bright,Mirror of grace and majesty divine.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(intransitive) To be mirrored.
His image reflected from the shop window as he walked past.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(transitive) To agree with; to closely follow.
Entries in English dictionaries aim to reflect common usage.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(transitive) To give evidence of someone's or something's character etc.
The team's victory reflects the Captain's abilities.
The teacher's ability reflects well on the school.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
To copy or duplicate; to mimic or imitate; as, the files at Project Gutenberg were mirrored on several other ftp sites around the world.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
(intransitive) To think seriously; to ponder or consider.
People do that sort of thing every day, without ever stopping to reflect on the consequences.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
To have a close resemblance to; as, his opinions often mirrored those of his wife.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To bend back; to give a backwa d turn to; to throw back; especially, to cause to return after striking upon any surface; as, a mirror reflects rays of light; polished metals reflect heat.
Let me mind the reader to reflect his eye on our quotations.
Bodies close together reflect their own color.
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To give back an image or likeness of; to mirror.
Nature is the glass reflecting God,As by the sea reflected is the sun.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
a faithful depiction or reflection;
the best mirror is an old friend
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
reflect as if in a mirror;
The smallest pond at night mirrors the firmament above
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To be sent back; to rebound as from a surface; to revert; to return.
Whose virtues will, I hope,Reflect on Rome, as Titan's rays on earth.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
reflect or resemble;
The plane crash in Milan mirrored the attack in the World Trade Center
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To throw or turn back the thoughts upon anything; to contemplate. Specifically: To attend earnestly to what passes within the mind; to attend to the facts or phenomena of consciousness; to use attention or earnest thought; to meditate; especially, to think in relation to moral truth or rules.
We can not be said to reflect upon any external object, except so far as that object has been previously perceived, and its image become part and parcel of our intellectual furniture.
All men are concious of the operations of their own minds, at all times, while they are awake, but there few who reflect upon them, or make them objects of thought.
As I much reflected, much I mourned.
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May 03, 2023
◉Mirror
Something that provides a clear and undistorted image.
The calm water acted as a mirror to the mountains.
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Sep 26, 2023
◉Reflect
To cast reproach; to cause censure or dishonor.
Errors of wives reflect on husbands still.
Neither do I reflect in the least upon the memory of his late majesty.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
to throw or bend back or reflect (from a surface);
A mirror in the sun can reflect light into a person's eyes
Sound is reflected well in this auditorium
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
reflect deeply on a subject;
I mulled over the events of the afternoon
philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
be bright by reflecting or casting light;
Drive carefully--the wet road reflects
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
give evidence of a certain behavior;
His lack of interest in the project reflects badly on him
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
give evidence of the quality of;
The mess in his dorm room reflects on the student
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May 03, 2023
◉Reflect
To throw back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
The window reflected the bright sunlight.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Reflect
To represent or depict something in a faithful manner.
The documentary reflects the reality of urban life.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Mirror vs. Reflect Frequently Asked Questions
Is reflect always about light or sound?
No, reflect can also mean to think deeply or carefully.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Can both terms have figurative meanings?
Yes, both mirror and reflect can be used in figurative contexts.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
In tech, what does it mean to mirror data?
It means to create an exact copy of that data.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Can mirror be used as a verb?
Yes, to mirror means to resemble or imitate closely.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Are all reflective surfaces mirrors?
No, while all mirrors reflect, not all reflective surfaces are mirrors.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
What might "reflecting on" mean?
It means to think deeply or carefully about something.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
What is a mirror?
A mirror is a surface that reflects light to form an image.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
How do surfaces reflect?
Surfaces reflect by throwing back light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Is a mirror's primary purpose to reflect?
Yes, a mirror's main function is to produce a reflected image.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
How are mirrors and reflections related in physics?
Mirrors are objects that make use of the phenomenon of reflection to form images.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
