reflexion

See also: Reflexion, réflexion, and reflexión

English

Etymology

From Late Latin reflexiō; the variant spelling reflection is due to influence from correction.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈflɛkʃ(ə)n/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: ref‧lex‧ion
• Rhymes: -ɛkʃən

Noun

reflexion (countable and uncountable, plural reflexions)

1. (British) Uncommon spelling of reflection.
   • 1684, John Goodman, A Winter-Evening Conference between neighbours:

     Now, I say, why Time should be so burthensome to such as these, or what should betray them to such infrugal Expences of it, I can give no account without making severe Reflexions on their Discretion.

   • 1953, Samuel Beckett, Watt, [Paris]: Olympia Press, →OCLC:

     He gets off the train, determined not to leave town after all. But a little further reflexion shows him the folly of such a course.

2. (grammar, linguistics) An act or instance of referring back to the subject of a sentence, or of having an object equal to the subject.

Usage notes

The spelling reflexion fell out of common use in the United States after the 18th century. In the United Kingdom, it remained standard into the early twentieth century but declined thereafter, with reflection becoming the dominant form. Despite this decline, reflexion continues to be recognized as a legitimate British variant, though it is generally regarded as old‑fashioned.

Derived terms

• reflexional

See also

• refraction
• diffraction

Swedish

Noun

reflexion c

1. dated spelling of reflektion (“reflection”)

Declension

Declension of reflexion

		nominative	genitive
singular	indefinite	reflexion	reflexions
	definite	reflexionen	reflexionens
plural	indefinite	reflexioner	reflexioners
	definite	reflexionerna	reflexionernas

References

• reflexion in Svensk ordbok (SO)
• reflexion in Svenska Akademiens ordlista (SAOL)
• reflexion in Svenska Akademiens ordbok (SAOB)