mirror-image

A child holds up a butterfly to see its mirror-image in the glass.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An image that is reversed: "mirror-image" refers to an image or representation that is inverted, as if seen in a mirror, with left and right sides swapped.
   • A close or exact counterpart: It can also describe something that is a perfect or nearly perfect copy of another thing, often with reversed characteristics.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The reflection in the lake was a perfect mirror-image of the mountain. (An inverted visual copy of the mountain.)
  • Her political views are the mirror-image of her brother's. (A close counterpart with reversed positions.)

Advanced Usage

• "mirror-image symmetry": a type of symmetry where two halves are exact opposites, like left and right.
  • The butterfly's wings show mirror-image symmetry. (Each wing is a reversed copy of the other.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mirror (n/v): a reflective surface; to reflect.
  • She looked into the mirror. (A reflective surface.)
• Mirrored (adj): having a reflective surface or being a copy.
  • The mirrored walls made the room look larger. (Walls that reflect light.)

Synonyms

• Reflection: an image returned by a reflective surface.
• Reverse: the opposite or inverted version.
• Counterpart: a person or thing that corresponds to another.

Related Idioms

• "Mirror image of": used to describe two things that are exact opposites or very close copies.
  • His personality is the mirror image of his father's. (He is very much like his father.)

Phrasal Verbs (none directly applicable)

• There are no common phrasal verbs formed with "mirror-image," as it is primarily a noun.