What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mirroring
Example
She noticed her friend mirroring her body language during their conversation. [mirroring: verb]
Example
The therapist used mirroring to help the client feel understood and validated. [mirroring: noun]
Example
The artist created a beautiful piece by mirroring the design on both sides. [mirroring: gerund or present participle]
copying
Example
He was caught copying his friend's homework. [copying: verb]
Example
The musician was accused of copying another artist's song. [copying: gerund or present participle]
Example
The printer made a perfect copy of the document. [copy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Copying is more commonly used than mirroring in everyday language. Copying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mirroring is less common and refers to a specific technique used in therapy or counseling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mirroring and copying?
While mirroring is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, copying can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.