mirror
/ˈmɪr.ər/
noun
Origin
Latin
mirari — to wonder at, to admire
Overview
Meaning Now
- A surface, typically of glass coated with a metal amalgam, that reflects a clear image.
- A thing that accurately represents or expresses something else.
Literal older meaning
to look at, to wonder at
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
mirour
Earliest period
13th century
Journey
The term originates from the sense of something one gazes at with wonder. In antiquity, mirrors were often made of polished bronze or silver, objects of luxury and fascination, which is reflected in the etymological link to 'miracle' and 'admire'.
Evolution
- Latin
mirari
“to wonder at”
- Vulgar Latin
*miratorium
“object for looking at”
Formation of a noun from the verb stem.
- Old French
mireor
“looking-glass”
- Middle English
mirour
“mirror”
Borrowed from Old French.
Connections
Word parts
mirr-
root
look, wonder
-or
suffix
instrumental noun suffix
Related across languages
French
miroir
mirror
Spanish
mirar
to look at
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Related to mirror
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.