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Echo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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echo

[ˈɛkoʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A sound produced by a person's voice or by an instrument.

Synonyms

reflection, resonance, reverberation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
echo

Used when referring to the repetition of a sound that has been reflected off a surface, often in large, empty spaces.

  • You could hear the echo of her voice in the empty hall.
  • The mountains caused an echo of his shout.
reverberation

Used to describe a prolonged sound or series of sounds that continue after the original sound has stopped, often in confined spaces.

  • The reverberation of the drum could be felt through the floor.
  • They felt the reverberation of the explosion even from miles away.
resonance

Used when discussing a deep, full, and reverberating sound or when a particular emotion or idea strongly influences someone or something.

  • The resonance of the singer's voice filled the room.
  • His words held a great deal of resonance for the audience.
reflection

Used when referring to a sound wave bouncing back from a surface or when discussing an image seen in a mirror or other reflective surface.

  • The reflection of the sound from the cliff was very clear.
  • She saw her reflection in the water.

Examples of usage

  • She heard an echo of her own voice in the empty room.
  • The echo of the guitar filled the concert hall with music.
Context #2 | Verb

repetition

To repeat or imitate what someone else has said.

Synonyms

imitate, parrot, repeat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
echo

Use 'echo' when describing a repeated sound or a repeated idea in conversation. It's also used metaphorically to indicate something that mirrors or reflects back.

  • The child's laughter echoed through the hall
  • His sentiments echoed those of his parents
repeat

Use 'repeat' as a general term for doing or saying something again. It's neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts.

  • Can you repeat the question? She repeated the exercise until she got it right
imitate

Use 'imitate' when someone is copying the actions, behavior, or style of someone else, often to learn or make fun of them.

  • Children often imitate their parents
  • He imitated her accent perfectly
parrot

Use 'parrot' when someone repeats someone else's words without fully understanding them or thinking for themselves. This often has a negative connotation.

  • He just parroted the company line without any original thought
  • She's always parroting what her mentor says

Examples of usage

  • The students were asked to echo the teacher's words.
  • His words echoed in her mind long after he had left.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Echoes occur when sound waves reflect off surfaces, allowing you to hear sounds again.
  • Bats use echolocation, which involves emitting sounds and using echoes to identify objects and their distances.
  • Echo intensity and duration can provide information about the size and shape of the reflecting surface.

Literature

  • In literature, echoes are often used metaphorically to represent memories returning or conversations reoccurring.
  • The myth of Echo and Narcissus in Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' illustrates themes of love and unrequited affection.
  • Writers use echo in poetry to create rhythm and musicality, enhancing the emotional effect of their words.

Pop Culture

  • Echo appears in various movies and songs, symbolizing themes of longing and reflection.
  • The phrase 'Can you hear me now?' has become iconic in popular media, referencing how echoes can sometimes distort messages.
  • In the video game industry, echoes often create suspense by reintroducing sounds or voices from the past, influencing gameplay.

Psychology

  • Echoing someone's words is a common technique in communication to show understanding and validation.
  • Studies suggest that repetitive sounds can trigger emotional responses, influencing thoughts and behaviors.
  • In therapeutic settings, echoes can help clients process their emotions by reflecting the words they use.

Origin of 'echo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'ēkhō', which means 'sound' or 'voice'.
  • In Ancient Greece, 'Echos' was a mountain nymph who could only repeat what others said.
  • It has been in use since the 14th century, showcasing the long-standing nature of this natural phenomenon.

The word 'echo' originated from the Greek myth of Echo, a mountain nymph who fell in love with Narcissus. When Narcissus rejected her, she pined away until all that was left was her voice. The term 'echo' has since been used to describe the reflection of sound waves off surfaces, creating a repeated sound effect.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,916 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.