What does reflexion mean?
Reflexion is an uncommon spelling of reflection with essentially the same range of meanings. It can refer to the process by which light, sound, or another wave returns from a surface, as in the reflexion of a landscape in still water. It can also mean the act of thinking about an idea, experience, or feeling, or the opinion that results from such thought: a person's reflexion on a difficult decision may reveal their concerns or convictions. The word is chiefly notable as a spelling variant rather than as a separate modern vocabulary item. Dictionaries generally treat it as equivalent to reflection, which remains the preferred form in current British and American English. In educational, scientific, literary, or historical writing, reflexion may retain a slightly formal or traditional character, but it is not normally considered incorrect. Its usefulness lies in illustrating how familiar words can preserve older spelling conventions while the standard form evolves.
The returning of light or another wave from a surface, or an image or effect produced by this process.
"A faint reflexion of the clouds appeared on the wet pavement."
This sense is uncommon in modern prose because the spelling “reflection” is standard.
The act of considering an idea, feeling, experience, or event in one's mind, or the thought or opinion resulting from this consideration.
"Her reflexion on the interview was calm and self-critical."
The sense is now much more commonly spelled “reflection.”
The plural is used in both the physical-image sense and the sense of mental consideration.
"He offered several useful reflexions on the proposed changes."
A familiar word in an uncommon disguise: “reflexion” is simply reflection without the e.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reflexion come from?
Reflexion comes through French from Latin reflexio, a noun derived from reflectere, “to bend back.” The same Latin root also produced English words such as reflect, reflex, and reflexive. Reflexion developed as an established English spelling, but reflection eventually became dominant in modern usage, leaving reflexion as a recognized variant.
How reflexion is actually used
Reflexion is a traditional but uncommon spelling, especially in contemporary prose. “Reflection” is preferred in most modern usage, although reflexion may appear in formal, literary, or historical contexts.
Easily confused with reflexion
Reflexion and reflection have the same meanings, but reflection is the standard modern spelling in ordinary English usage.