mirror
/ˈmɪr.ər/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A mirror is a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light and shows an image. People use it to see themselves or things behind them.
- She checked her hair in the mirror.
- The mirror showed the room behind us.
verb
To mirror something means to look like it or copy its shape, movement, or behaviour. It can also mean to reflect an image or light.
- His opinion mirrored mine exactly.
- The lake mirrored the cloudy sky.
Adinary Nuance
Mirror is stronger than reflect when you mean a clear visual image. It is also different from copy: a mirror may show a likeness, but it does not always mean exact imitation. In writing, mirror often sounds more vivid than resemble or match.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- gương
- Spanish
- espejo
- Chinese
- 镜子
- Japanese
- 鏡
- Korean
- 거울
Etymology
Mirror comes from Old French mirour, based on Latin mirari, meaning 'to wonder at' or 'to admire'. The word entered English in the Middle Ages.
Common phrases
mirror imagemirror effectin the mirrormirror each other
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'mirror' a noun or a verb?
- It is both. As a noun, it is the shiny object that reflects an image. As a verb, it means to reflect or closely copy.
- What is the difference between 'mirror' and 'reflect'?
- A mirror is a thing that reflects. As a verb, 'mirror' often means to show a clear likeness, while 'reflect' is broader.
- Can I use 'mirror' in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in academic writing, especially for patterns, trends, and behaviour that closely match something else.
- Is 'mirror' formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in speaking, business writing, and academic English.