How to pronounce reflection
Say it like rih-FLEK-shun. Reflection has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce reflection. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- FLEK
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reflection pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- FLEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of reflection
American and British speakers say reflection in essentially the same way: /rɪˈflɛkʃən/ in the US and /rɪˈflɛkʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-FLEK-shun.
What does reflection mean?
- a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
- the phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
- expression without words“tears are an expression of grief”“the pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition”
Where does reflection come from?
From Middle English refleccion, refleccioun, refleccioune, reflection, from Middle French reflection, reflexion, and its source Late Latin reflexiō, from the participle stem of reflectō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with reflection
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of reflection.
Questions about saying reflection
How do you pronounce reflection?
Say rih-FLEK-shun. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈflɛkʃən/. In British English it is /rɪˈflɛkʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in reflection?
Reflection has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FLEK). Broken into parts: rih · FLEK · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say reflection the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈflɛkʃən/ and the British form is /rɪˈflɛkʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.