nCOLLOCATIONS – Meaning 3: something that shows what something else is like, or that is a sign of a particular situation
adjectives
an accurate/true reflection
These reports were not an accurate reflection of existing attitudes.
a fair reflection (=reasonable and right)
The score was 4 – 1, which was a fair reflection of the difference between the sides.
a direct reflection
The child’s behaviour is a direct reflection of its parents' behaviour.
a sad reflection
This situation is a sad reflection on society.
a pale reflection (=similar to, but not as good as, something else)
The film is only a pale reflection of the book.
Examples from the Corpus
reflection• The contrasting images which survive of Osred are probably a reflection of the increasing divisions within the Northumbrian kingdom at this time.• a reflection of the moon on the surface of the lake• It is not just an automaticreflection of gender.• Many working women have little time for reflection.• Whether they liked him or not, Johnson was an awfully good reflection on them.• Anna stood looking at her reflection in the mirror.• A third way, called an endoscope, uses the principle of totalinternalreflection which we saw in the demonstration.• Methods of controllingexpenses are a merereflection of the levels of trust in an organization.• I could see my reflection in his glasses.• The full bright moon and the reflection of the snow made a mockery of the night.• the reflection of the moon on the surface of the lake
A moment’s reflection• What would be the consequence of that? A moment's reflection will show that it would make private members more independent.
reflection of• The amount you tip should be a reflection of the kind of service you got.