Echoic: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.