Definition

1. Noun:

   • A reflected sound: The repetition of a sound caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface.
   • A close imitation or repetition: Something that closely resembles or repeats the characteristics of something else, such as a feeling, idea, or style.
   • A response that repeats what was just said: A reply that is a direct repetition of the preceding statement.
   • (Greek mythology) A nymph: In mythology, a nymph who pined away for love of Narcissus until only her voice remained.

2. Verb:

   • To reflect sound: (Of a sound) to be repeated because of reflection off a surface.
   • To repeat or imitate: To say or do something again in a way that is very similar to the original.
   • To be reminiscent of: To bring something to mind; to be suggestive of something else.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • We heard the echo of our shouts in the canyon. (The reflected sound of our shouts returned to us.)
  • His speech was just an echo of the manager's earlier comments. (His speech was a direct repetition of the manager's ideas.)
  • Her reply was a faint echo of his question. (Her response simply repeated his question.)

• Verb:

  • Her laughter echoed through the empty house. (The sound of her laughter was reflected and repeated in the house.)
  • The child echoed every word his father said. (The child imitated his father's words exactly.)
  • The design echoes the architecture of ancient Rome. (The design is reminiscent of or similar to ancient Roman architecture.)

Advanced Usage

• "To applaud/cheer someone to the echo": To applaud or cheer for someone very loudly and for a long time.
  • The audience cheered the performer to the echo.
• "Find an echo in": To find a sympathetic response or agreement in someone or something.
  • His concerns found an echo in the hearts of many citizens.

Variants and Related Words

• Echoic (adj): Relating to or resembling an echo; onomatopoeic.
  • The word "buzz" is echoic.
• Echolocation (n): A biological sonar used by animals like bats and dolphins.
  • Bats use echolocation to navigate in the dark.

Synonyms

• Noun: Reverberation, reflection, repetition, imitation, copy.
• Verb: Resound, reverberate, repeat, imitate, mirror, reflect.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Echo back: To return or reflect a sound or idea.
  • The walls echoed back our voices.
• Echo with: To be filled with a sound that is echoing.
  • The corridor echoed with footsteps.

Related Idioms

• A faint echo of: A very weak or distant reminder of something.
  • The modern ceremony is but a faint echo of the ancient rituals.
• Echo the sentiments of: To express the same feelings or opinions as someone else.
  • I would like to echo the sentiments of the previous speaker and thank the organizers.

Noun

1. an imitation or repetition
   • the flower arrangement was created as an echo of a client's still life
2. a close parallel of a feeling, idea, style, etc.
   • his contention contains more than an echo of Rousseau
   • Napoleon III was an echo of the mighty Emperor but an infinitely better man
3. a reflected television or radio or radar beam
4. a reply that repeats what has just been said
5. (Greek mythology) a nymph who was spurned by Narcissus and pined away until only her voice remained
6. the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
   • she could hear echoes of her own footsteps

Verb

1. call to mind
   • His words echoed John F. Kennedy
2. ring or echo with sound
   • the hall resounded with laughter
3. to say again or imitate
   • followers echoing the cries of their leaders