Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
echolalic

echolalic

9.9
Repeating another person's words when talking, without meaning to
  • adjective
  • /ˌɛkoʊˈleɪlɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ecolálico
  • Again, the more you get to know a student, the more you will find a way in to help the individual reengage in the present and extinguish the echolalic behavior.

Examples

  • His echolalic responses in class often left the teacher unsure of his understanding.

  • Children with echolalic speech may repeat phrases they hear in movies or conversations.

  • Therapists often work with echolalic individuals to help them develop more spontaneous communication.

Synonyms

parrotlike
vsecholalic
7.9

Repeated exactly without thinking, like a parrot

are involuntary repetitions caused by lack of control rather than lack of understanding

Surface Forms

echolalic positive

Morphology

echolalic = echolalia (semi-transparent) = echo + lalia + ic

The adjective is a straightforward -ic derivation from the noun 'echolalia' (standard adjectival formation).

Etymology

The word echolalic comes from echo 'a sound that repeats' and -lalia 'speech'. So, echolalic describes speech that repeats what other people say, usually without meaning to.