38 Down

NYT Daily ? September 20, 2025

Self-effacing personality trait

Answer:

ECHOISM

Hint:

Think of a trait where someone constantly mirrors others' needs or opinions, putting their own identity aside—like a human reflection.

Explanation:

"Self-effacing personality trait" hints at a behavior where someone downplays their own needs to mirror or amplify others, much like an echo. The answer, echoism, plays on the myth of Echo from Greek mythology—a nymph cursed to only repeat others’ words, never speaking for herself. It’s a modern psychological term for people who prioritize others’ voices over their own, making it a perfect fit for the clue’s theme of quiet selflessness.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints