Mirrors
ˈmɪrərz
Definitions
2 meaningsAn object with a reflective surface, typically made of glass coated with a metal amalgam, that reflects light and forms an image.
ˈmɪrərz
A surface that reflects light, producing an image.
She caught a glimpse of herself in the antique mirror.
💡 Simply: A mirror is like a magical surface that shows you your reflection! You can see yourself, your room, or anything in front of it because it bounces light back to your eyes. Just imagine you have a tiny version of yourself standing in front of you, following your every move – that’s your reflection in the mirror!
👶 For kids: A mirror is like a shiny thing that shows you what you look like!
More Examples
The artist used mirrors to create an illusion of depth.
The car's mirrors are essential for checking traffic.
How It's Used
"She checked her appearance in the bathroom mirror."
"The side mirrors of the car are crucial for safe driving."
"Concave mirrors are used in telescopes to focus light."
To reflect or reproduce an image, likeness, or behavior.
ˈmɪrərz
To reflect an image or likeness.
The calm surface of the lake mirrored the surrounding mountains.
💡 Simply: Think of a parrot that perfectly copies everything you say - that's what mirroring is all about. If you are mirroring someone, you are showing a similar image, action, or behavior. Like in a dance class if you are mirroring your instructor, you are doing everything they do.
👶 For kids: When something mirrors something else, it's like they are doing the same thing, like two friends who copy each other.
More Examples
She tried to mirror her colleague's successful sales techniques.
The new film mirrored the style of classic Hollywood movies.
How It's Used
"The therapist helped the patient mirror the emotions of others."
"The artist's work mirrored the societal trends of the time."
"The legislation mirrored existing laws in other states."
Idioms & expressions
in the mirror
Describes a situation where something is reflecting.
"I saw my reflection in the mirror this morning and realized I needed a haircut."
From Old French *mirer* (to look at), from Latin *mirari* (to wonder at, admire), related to *mirus* (wonderful). The object, a looking glass, developed later.
Mirrors, initially made of polished metal (often bronze or copper), have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. Glass mirrors with a metal backing became common in the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of your reflection – it's what you see in a mirror!
Word Origin
"to wonder at, admire"