Echoic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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echoic

[ɪˈkəʊɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sound imitation

Referring to or characterized by the imitation of a sound.

Synonyms

imitative, mimicking, reverberating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
echoic	Used to describe sounds or effects that resemble or repeat the original sound. The echoic quality of the cave made their whispers sound like shouts His voice had an echoic effect, bouncing off the tall buildings
mimicking	Often implies copying someone’s speech or actions, can have a playful or mocking connotation. He was mimicking the teacher's accent for laughs The parrot was mimicking its owner's voice perfectly
imitative	Describes actions or sounds that are very similar to something else, often used in contexts where someone or something is trying to copy behavior, speech, or art. The child's imitative behavior was evident when she started copying her mother's gestures The artist's style is highly imitative of the Renaissance period
reverberating	Describes a sound that continues to be heard around an area for a while, often used in contexts emphasizing a powerful or lingering effect. The sound of the bell was reverberating through the hallways Her words kept reverberating in his mind long after she had left

Examples of usage

The echoic call of the bird could be heard throughout the forest.
Children often enjoy books with echoic sound effects.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

linguistics

Relating to or denoting an utterance that copies or imitates the sound of another.

Synonyms

imitative, mimicking, reproducing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
echoic	Use 'echoic' in scientific or technical discussions, particularly in psychology or audiology, referring to something related to or resembling an echo. The echoic memory helps in retaining sounds for a few seconds. Echoic responses were observed during the auditory testing.
imitative	The word 'imitative' is suitable for describing actions, art, or behaviors that closely copy or resemble another. Her imitative drawings looked just like the originals. Children often engage in imitative play to learn new skills.
mimicking	Use 'mimicking' in everyday conversations to describe someone or something trying to copy actions, sounds, or behaviors in a playful or mocking manner. This word can have a slightly negative connotation if referring to mocking. He was mimicking his teacher's accent, making the class laugh. The robot was programmed for mimicking human speech.
reproducing	Suitable for discussions in scientific, technical, or artistic contexts, referring to the act of creating something similar or identical to an original. The procedures for reproducing the experiment are outlined in the study. She specialized in reproducing classical paintings.

Examples of usage

The echoic response from the child demonstrated his language development.
Echoic words in a language may include onomatopoeic terms.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

Many poets use echoic words to create vivid imagery and enhance the mood of their poems.
In children's literature, echoic words help engage young readers by making stories more dynamic and fun.
Famous authors like Edgar Allan Poe employed echoic language to evoke emotion and atmosphere in their stories.

Psychology

Echoic memories are auditory memories that last for a brief period, affecting how sounds are processed in the brain.
Children often learn new vocabulary faster through echoic sounds because they mimic what they hear in their environment.
Research shows that echoic language can aid in language acquisition by associating sounds with meanings.

Pop Culture

Popular songs often use echoic phrases, such as 'bang', 'sizzle', or 'pop' to create excitement within lyrics.
Animation and sound design in films rely heavily on echoic language to give life to characters and actions.
Certain comic books use echoic representations like 'whoosh' and 'crash' to illustrate action sequences vividly.

Science

Researchers study echoic sounds to understand animal communication and how they mimic environmental noises.
In neuroscience, echoic memory is part of short-term memory specifically for sounds, lasting only a few seconds.
Studies on animal behavior show that certain species use echoic sounds to mimic their surroundings, enhancing their survival.

Origin of 'echoic'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Greek word 'echo', which means 'sound' or 'reverberation'.
In linguistics, it specifically refers to words that imitate sounds, known as onomatopoeia.
The concept of echoic language is important in studying how sounds can represent meanings.

The word 'echoic' originates from the noun 'echo,' which comes from the Greek word 'ēkhō' meaning 'sound reflected.' The adjective 'echoic' evolved to describe sounds or utterances that imitate or reproduce other sounds. In linguistics, it specifically refers to words or phrases that imitate the sounds they represent. The use of 'echoic' has expanded beyond literal echoes to include various forms of sound imitation or reproduction.

See also: echoically, echoing, echoingly.