resonate
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to resound.
-
Electronics. to reinforce oscillations because the natural frequency of the device is the same as the frequency of the source.
-
to amplify vocal sound by the sympathetic vibration of air in certain cavities and bony structures.
-
to produce a positive feeling, emotional response, or opinion.
an issue that clearly resonates with members of our community; a poem that resonates for me.
verb (used with object)
verb
-
to resound or cause to resound; reverberate
-
(of a mechanical system, electrical circuit, chemical compound, etc) to exhibit or cause to exhibit resonance
-
to be understood or receive a sympathetic response
themes which will resonate with voters
-
to be filled with
simple words that seem to resonate with mystery and beauty
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of resonate
First recorded in 1870–75; from Latin resonātus “sounded again,” past participle of resonāre “to sound again”; see resound
Explanation
To resonate is to make, hear, or even understand a deep, full sound. Your speech about the dangers of scarves and convertibles will resonate with your audience if you tell the story of Isadora Duncan's death. The verb resonate, which comes from the Latin resonatum, first referred only to sound, but has now developed an emotional connotation. Resonate sounds a whole lot like another verb, resound, but they have subtly different meanings. Resound means “to repeat the sound,” but resonate means “to expand, amplify.” Sound can resonate when broadcast through speakers, and so can an idea or feeling, when expressed articulately or with passion.
Vocabulary lists containing resonate
A Long Way Gone
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: September 17 - 24, 2017
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ferrari shares have fallen about 8% since the launch of the Luce, signaling investors’ concerns that the car won’t resonate with customers.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
Their enduring appeal lies in simple melodies and wholesome, patriotic themes that deeply resonate with Chinese audiences.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026
As Salon’s Andi Zeisler masterfully outlined, conspiratorial thinking “flourishes in times of political and social upheaval, and it tends to resonate within minoritized groups ‘who are systematically kept from participating fully in society’”:
From Salon • May 23, 2026
“We delivered a strong first quarter as our value proposition continued to resonate with members across our clubs and at our gas stations,” said CEO Bob Eddy.
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
The first, Natural Theology, published in 1802 by William Paley, the former vicar of Dalston, made an argument that would resonate deeply with Darwin.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
