Pronunciation

/ˈɛkoʊ/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A reflected sound that comes back from a surface after the original sound has stopped. For example: “The sound of her voice echoed through the canyon.”
  • In technology: A function that repeats or returns the same data it received, often used in computing or telecommunications. Example: “The device uses echo location to determine its position.”
• Verb (v): To reverberate or repeat a sound. Example: “Her laughter echoed around the empty house.”
  • Metaphorical use: To imitate or reflect (an idea, sentiment, or action). Example: “Their actions echoed the concerns of environmentalists.”
  • In computing: To send back the data received, usually for testing purposes. Example: “The server echoes the commands entered by the user.”

Phrases

• “Echo chamber”: A situation where beliefs are amplified or reinforced by communication and repetition within a closed system.
• “An echo of the past”: Something that reminds one of something from the past, often nostalgically or hauntingly.
• “Echoes of silence”: Referring to a sense of emptiness or absence that lingers like a faint sound.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The church’s acoustics were so good you could hear your own echo.”
• Verb: “His words echoed in my mind long after he had left.”
• In technology: “The program sends a signal and waits for an echo to measure network latency.”

Synonyms

• Reverberation
• Reflection
• Resonance
• Repetition
• Mimicry (in the sense of imitation)
• Ichor (metaphorically, for a lingering effect)