Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

echoism

Noun

ˌɛkəʊˈɪz(ə)m

Definition

The use of words that phonetically imitate or suggest the sound that they describe.

Examples

When the wind howled through the trees, it created an echoism that resonated with the dismal atmosphere.
Words like ‘buzz’ and ‘sizzle’ are examples of echoism, as they mimic the sounds they represent.
In poetry, echoism can enhance the imagery and emotional impact of the piece.

Meaning

Echoism is a linguistic phenomenon where the sound of a word reflects its meaning, often through onomatopoeia, creating a connection between the sound of the word and its semantic reference.