Meaning: Formation of a word from a sound associated with it, like 'buzz'.
Hindi: ध्वन्यात्मक शब्द निर्माण
Synonyms: echoism, sound symbolism
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · SSC CGL 2025 T-1
onomatopoeia in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Spelling
Identify the misspelt word
Answer & explanation
Answer: C) Onomatopiea
Correct spelling is ‘Onomatopoeia’ (formation of a word imitating a sound).
The option ‘ Onomatopiea ’ is misspelt.
Apothegm, Esoterica and Sesquipedalian are spelled correctly. - SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Spelling
Spot the correct spellin g of a sound-imitative word class.
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Onomatopoeia
The correct spelling is "Onomatopoeia" — the formation of a word from a sound it represents (e.g. buzz, hiss).
The other three are misspellings. - SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Spelling
Choose the option with the correct spelling.
Answer & explanation
Answer: B) Onomatopoeia
Rule: onomatopoeia = forming a word from the sound it describes, as in *buzz, hiss, cuckoo* *(ध्वन्यात्मक शब्द-रचना, अनुकरणात्मक शब्द)*.
Greek *onoma* (name) + *poiein* (to make): onomato- + -poeia.
Why the others are wrong.
• Onamatopia — *a* for *o* in the second syllable, and the ending *-poeia* cut down to *-pia*.
• Onematopeoia — *e* for *o* in the second syllable, and *-peoia* jumbles the *oe*.
• Onamatopea — *a* for *o* again, and the ending loses its *oi*.
*Break it into o-no-ma-to-poe-ia; the vowels before -poeia run o, o, a, o.*
Examples
- “'Buzz' and 'click' are examples of onomatopoeia.”
onomatopoeia – questions
What is the meaning of onomatopoeia in Hindi?
onomatopoeia means “ध्वन्यात्मक शब्द निर्माण” in Hindi. In English: Formation of a word from a sound associated with it, like 'buzz'.
What are the synonyms of onomatopoeia?
Synonyms of onomatopoeia: echoism, sound symbolism.
Has onomatopoeia been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – onomatopoeia has been asked 3 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC CGL 2025 T-1.