What is mirror? Pronunciation and usage in English

mirror means . Learn how to pronounce and use mirror through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mirror

mirrornoun

/ˈmɪrə/
Definition & pronunciation of mirror

The word "mirror" is pronounced like this:

ˈmɪrər

Here's a breakdown:

  • ˈmɪr - This part sounds like "meer" (like the animal) - short "i" sound.
  • r - A simple, short "r" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("mɪr").
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced by native speakers! You can find many examples on sites like:

Would you like me to:

  • Break down the sounds even further?
  • Give you some practice words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word mirror in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mirror" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its most common uses:

1. Literal Mirror (Reflecting Surface):

  • Definition: This is the most basic meaning – a piece of glass that reflects an image.
  • Examples:
    • "She looked in the mirror and brushed her hair."
    • "The antique mirror hung above the fireplace."
    • "He used a mirror to check his reflection."

2. Mirror (As a Reflection/Copy):

  • Definition: Something that accurately reflects or resembles something else. This is a very common usage.
  • Examples:
    • "His speech mirrored his father’s style." (Similar to, resembled)
    • "The movie mirrors real-life events." (Reflects real events)
    • "The politician's promises mirrored those of the previous administration." (Similar to)
    • "The cave mirrors the landscape outside." (Reflects the landscape)

3. Mirror (To Reflect/Return):

  • Definition: To respond in kind, or to show the same reaction as someone else.
  • Examples:
    • "She mirrored his expression of anger." (She showed the same anger)
    • "The audience mirrored the actors’ emotions." (The audience felt the same emotions)
    • "He mirrored her questions back at her, trying to understand her perspective." (He repeated her questions to show he was listening)

4. Mirror (In Technology - Digital Mirrors):

  • Definition: Increasingly common, this refers to digital representations or simulations.
  • Examples:
    • "The game's graphics mirror the look of a real-world city." (They closely resemble)
    • "The software allows you to mirror your computer’s screen to another device." (To duplicate the screen)
    • "Cloud computing services often mirror your data for backup purposes." (Replicate your data)

5. Mirror (Figuratively - Reflecting Character/Personality):

  • Definition: Used to describe someone's personality or character – often to say they are similar to someone else.
  • Examples:
    • "He mirrors his grandmother’s kindness and generosity." (He has the same qualities)
    • "She mirrors her parents’ strong work ethic." (She shares their work ethic)

6. Mirror (In Astronomy - Mirroring the Sun):

  • Definition: A celestial body that reflects the light of a star.
  • Example: "Venus is often called Earth’s mirror because it’s similar in size and composition."

Phrases & Idioms with "Mirror":

  • Mirror image: A perfect or nearly perfect copy.
  • Mirror neurons: (Neuroscience) Neurons that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing that action.
  • Mirror, mirror on the wall: (From Snow White) – A classic phrase referring to a magical mirror.

Tips for Using "Mirror" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "mirror" depends heavily on the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Pay attention to verbs: "Mirror" is often used with verbs like reflect, resemble, respond, duplicate, simulate.

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "mirror"? (e.g., “I want to write a story,” “I’m studying English,” “I’m confused about a sentence I read.”)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Idioms of the word mirror

smoke and mirrors
the fact of hiding the truth with information that is not important or relevant
  • There's a lot of smoke and mirrors in the financing of this film.

Comment ()