Echo: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "echo" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eco

🇮🇳 गूंज

🇩🇪 Echo

🇮🇩 gema

🇺🇦 ехо

🇵🇱 echo

🇯🇵 エコー (ekō)

🇫🇷 écho

🇪🇸 eco

🇹🇷 yankı

🇰🇷 메아리 (meali)

🇸🇦 صدى (ṣadā)

🇨🇿 ozvěna

🇸🇰 ozvena

🇨🇳 回声 (huíshēng)

🇸🇮 odmev

🇮🇸 bergmál

🇰🇿 жаңғырық

🇬🇪 ექო (eko)

🇦🇿 əks-səda

🇲🇽 eco

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.

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6913 importation
6914 ascribed
6915 yellowish
6916 echo
6917 proliferation
6918 shocked
6919 canals
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