noun
reflection
Serious thought or consideration.
She pauses for reflection before answering.
Etymology
The physical image is bending back. Thought figuratively bends back toward its subject for sustained examination rather than moving immediately onward.
More examples
- The trip gave him time for reflection.
- After careful reflection, they changed the plan.
- Her journal records personal reflections on the year.
Forms
Similar words
- contemplation
- Sustained serious thought.
- consideration
- Thought given to a question or decision.