The words "reflect" and "mirror" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings. "Mirror" refers to a physical object that shows a reflection, while "reflect" describes the action of something bouncing back, whether it's light, sound, or even an idea. Think of a mirror as a noun and reflect as a verb.

Let's look at some examples:

• Mirror: "I looked in the mirror and fixed my hair." (This sentence means I used a reflective surface to check my appearance.)
• Reflect: "The still water reflected the blue sky." (Here, the water acted like a mirror, showing the image of the sky.)

Here's another example to show the different usages:

• Mirror: "He bought a new mirror for his bathroom." (This describes the purchase of a reflective object)
• Reflect: "I need some time to reflect on what happened." (This shows the process of thinking deeply about something.)

Notice how "reflect" can also be used in a metaphorical sense, referring to contemplation or thought. You wouldn't use "mirror" in this way.

Here are a few more examples to solidify your understanding:

• Mirror: The car's side mirror was broken. (This means the reflective surface on the side of the car was damaged.)

• Reflect: The teacher's words reflected her deep concern for her students. (This means the teacher's words showed the nature of her feelings.)

• Mirror: Her smile mirrored his. (This shows a similarity of expression.)

• Reflect: The polished surface of the table reflected the light beautifully. (This describes the action of the light bouncing off the surface.)

Happy learning!