# mirroring

/ˈmɪɹɝɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈɪɹəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mirroring
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

to copy or reflect the behavior, feelings, or appearance of someone or something else. It often happens naturally when you spend a lot of time with another person.

For teachers: reflecting or imitating the actions, speech patterns, or emotional states of another person. Often describes a subconscious social behavior used to build rapport or empathy.

## Examples

- The baby is mirroring her mother's facial expressions.
- In a successful job interview, the candidate might find themselves mirroring the interviewer's posture and tone of voice.
- The architect designed the new glass tower to be mirroring the surrounding historical buildings, creating a visual bridge between the city's past and its future.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the continuous form to describe an ongoing social or psychological process; takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.