Definition

Relating to the repetition of phrases or words that someone has heard, often seen in certain developmental conditions.

Example

The child exhibited echolalic speech, repeating phrases he heard from his favorite cartoons.

Conversation

I read that some children can be quite echolalic when they speak.

Yeah, I've noticed that too; they often repeat phrases they hear.

It's interesting how that can be a part of their learning process.

Definitely! It shows how they pick up language in their own way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Echolalic → It is formed from "echo" (from Greek "ēchō", meaning sound or to sound) and "-lalia" (from Greek "lalia", meaning speech or talk). The word describes a condition where a person involuntarily repeats words or phrases they hear, relating to the sounds they echo.

Memory Tip

Think of 'echo' as the sound that is repeated and 'lalia' as speech — this helps you remember that 'echolalic' refers to someone who repeats what they hear.

Visually Confused Words