refection: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency, Archaic/Literary)Literary, Formal, Archaic. Primarily found in historical or religious texts and poetic language.
Quick answer
What does “refection” mean?
A light meal, especially one taken during or after a period of fasting, or a means of refreshment or restoration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light meal, especially one taken during or after a period of fasting, or a means of refreshment or restoration.
The act of refreshing or restoring oneself, particularly with food and drink; something that refreshes or restores.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of old-fashioned formality, monastic life, or poetic diction in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both British and American English, with perhaps a marginal presence in British historical/ecclesiastical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “refection” in a Sentence
take/have/eat a refectionoffer/provide refectiona refection of [something, e.g., bread and wine]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “refection” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The word 'refection' is not used as a verb. The related verb is 'refect' (archaic).
American English
- The word 'refection' is not used as a verb. The related verb is 'refect' (archaic).
adverb
British English
- The word 'refection' has no standard adverb form.
American English
- The word 'refection' has no standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The refectory table was laid for the evening refection.
American English
- The refectory hall was silent after the noon refection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, but may appear in historical, theological, or literary studies discussing monastic life or older texts.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday conversation.
Technical
Not used as a technical term in any major field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “refection”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “refection”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “refection”
- Misspelling as 'reflection'.
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'snack' or 'bite' is appropriate.
- Pronouncing it like 'reflection' (/rɪˈflɛkʃən/). The crucial vowel is /ɛ/ (as in 'bed'), not /lɛ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an archaic and literary word with very low frequency. It is almost never used in everyday modern conversation.
They are completely different words. 'Refection' (pronounced /rɪˈfɛkʃən/) means a light meal or refreshment. 'Reflection' (pronounced /rɪˈflɛkʃən/) means the throwing back of light/heat, deep thought, or an image in a mirror.
Yes, especially in older or religious texts, it can refer to spiritual or mental refreshment, e.g., 'refection for the soul'.
Yes, 'refectory' (a dining hall, especially in a monastery, college, or institution) is more commonly known and shares the same Latin root (from 'reficere', meaning 'to refresh').
A light meal, especially one taken during or after a period of fasting, or a means of refreshment or restoration.
Refection is usually literary, formal, archaic. primarily found in historical or religious texts and poetic language. in register.
Refection: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɛkʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɛkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms featuring 'refection']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REFRESH' + 'SECTION' – a refection is a small section of food for refreshment.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD/DRINK IS RESTORATION (The taking of sustenance restores the body and spirit).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'refection' MOST likely to be found?