Echo
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Definitions
- Noun: A sound or sounds caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the listener.
- Noun: A repetition or imitation of another person's words or actions, often used in a metaphorical sense.
- Verb: To reflect or reverberate, especially of sound.
- Verb: To repeat or imitate someone's words or actions.
Usage Examples
- The echo of her voice filled the canyon.
- He echoed her sentiments, agreeing with everything she said.
- As he shouted, his words echoed back from the distant cliffs.
Etymology
From the Latin word "echo," which comes from the Greek word "ēkhō," meaning "sound" or "voice," which was derived from the Greek mythological figure Echo, a mountain nymph cursed to repeat only the last words spoken to her.
Synonyms
- Resonance
- Reverberation
- Reflection
- Repeat
- Resound
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| Spanish |
Eco |
/ˈɛko/ |
| French |
Écho |
/eˈkɔ/ |
| German |
Echo |
/ˈɛkɔ/ |
| Italian |
Eco |
/ˈɛko/ |
| Portuguese |
Eco |
/ˈɛku/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) |
回声 |
/huí shēng/ |
| Japanese |
エコー |
/ekō/ |
| Russian |
Эхо |
/ˈɛxɔ/ |
| Arabic |
صدى |
/ṣadā/ |
| Hindi |
गूंज |
/gūnʒ/ |
| Bengali |
প্রতিধ্বনি |
/pratidhoni/ |
| Punjabi |
ਪ੍ਰਤਿਧਵਨੀ |
/pratidhvani/ |
| Gujarati |
પ્રતિધ્વનિ |
/pratidhvani/ |
| Marathi |
प्रतिध्वनी |
/pratidhvani/ |
| Telugu |
ప్రతిధ్వని |
/pratidhvani/ |
| Tamil |
பரிதவனி |
/paridhavani/ |
| Malayalam |
പ്രതിധ്വനി |
/pratidhvani/ |
| Kannada |
ಪ್ರತಿಧ್ವನಿ |
/pratidhvani/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "echo" may vary slightly in different accents, such as /ˈɛkəʊ/ in British English and /ˈɛkoʊ/ in American English.
Historical Usage
The word "echo" has been used in literature and science for centuries. Its origins trace back to Greek mythology, where Echo was a nymph cursed to repeat the words of others. In the modern world, "echo" is used both in physical and metaphorical contexts, such as the reflection of sound and the repetition of ideas.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, an echo is often seen as a sign or a form of communication with spirits or the supernatural. It has also been symbolized in literature as a reminder of the past or a reflection of one's actions and words.
More Information
An echo occurs when sound waves bounce off a surface and return to the listener. This phenomenon is most commonly heard in large, open spaces such as mountains, valleys, and empty buildings. In acoustics, echoes can be measured and analyzed to understand sound propagation. The term "echo" has also taken on metaphorical meanings, often referring to the repetition of actions, ideas, or words. The study of echoes is important in fields like sound engineering, architecture, and even the study of animal communication.