What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reflection
Example
After the meeting, I spent some time in reflection about what was discussed. [reflection: noun]
Example
She reflected on her past mistakes and learned from them. [reflected: verb]
thought
Example
I gave some thought to your proposal and have some feedback. [thought: noun]
Example
She thought about the problem for a while before coming up with a solution. [thought: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thought is more commonly used than reflection in everyday language. Thought is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while reflection is less common and often used in more formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reflection and thought?
While reflection is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, thought is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.