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Mirror - Definition, Examples and Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：reflective glass (Mirror)
Mirror
/ˈmɪrər/
n., v.
A piece of glass with a shiny metallic backing that shows you what you look like.
reflective glass
➕
/rɪˈflɛktɪv ɡlæs/
n., v.
A smooth, highly polished surface (typically glass coated with metal) that forms images by reflecting light.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'mirari' (to wonder) and 'mirari speculum' (wonder glass), evolving through Old French 'mireor'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'mir' (wonder) + 'ror' (like 'roar' of amazement) — a mirror makes you wonder at your own reflection.
📖 Example
Every morning, she checks her hair in the mirror before leaving for work.
Every morning, she checks her hair in the mirror before leaving for work.
🔗 Collocations
rearview mirror – a mirror in a vehicle showing the area behind it
mirror image – an image that is identical but reversed left-to-right
full-length mirror – a tall mirror that shows the whole body
🔄 Synonyms
looking glass (n.) – a traditional term for a mirror made of glass
reflector (n.) – any surface that reflects light, not necessarily for personal reflection
🚫 Antonyms
opaque surface (n.) – a surface that does not allow light to pass through or reflect an image
🌱 Derivatives
mirrorlike (adj.) – resembling a mirror in appearance
mirrorball (n.) – a ball covered with small mirrors, used for light effects
📖 Cultural Story
The word traces to Latin 'mirari' meaning 'to wonder at', reflecting ancient fascination with reflective surfaces. In medieval times, mirrors were luxury items made of polished metal.
Meaning 2：to reflect or copy (Mirror)
Mirror
/ˈmɪrər/
n., v.
To show or be very similar to something else, like a copy.
to reflect or copy
➕
/tə rɪˈflɛkt ɔːr ˈkɒpi/
n., v.
To show a similar appearance, quality, or situation; to correspond closely to something else.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The student's excellent progress mirrors the hard work of her teacher.
The student's excellent progress mirrors the hard work of her teacher.
🔗 Collocations
mirror the trend – to follow or match the current trend exactly
mirror someone's behavior – to imitate another person's actions or habits
mirror the data – to exactly match or replicate data in a system
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
mirroring (n.) – the act of reflecting or imitating
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