resonate

[ rez-uh-neyt ]

/ ˈrɛz əˌneɪt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR resonate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object), res·o·nat·ed, res·o·nat·ing.

to resound.

to act as a resonator; exhibit resonance.

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), res·o·nat·ed, res·o·nat·ing.

to cause to resound.

Nearby words

resonance radiation, resonant, resonant cavity, resonant circuit, resonant-jet engine, resonate, resonator, resorb, resorcinol, resorcinolphthalein, resorption

Origin of resonate

1870–75; < Latin resonātus, past participle of resonāre to resound; see -ate¹

Related forms

res·o·na·tion, nounun·res·o·nat·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for resonate

If history is a guide, Huckabee will need to resonate with more than just the faithful if he is to win.
Can Huckabee Convert the GOP’s Moneymen?|Lloyd Green|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Over the past year, it seems as though transgender issues have finally begun to resonate with the public consciousness.
Trans Celebs Are Great; Trans Leaders Are Better|Parker Molloy|July 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Each campaign is convinced that its characterization of its opponent is accurate and will resonate with the electorate.
The Bruce Braley-Joni Ernst Race Is Iowa’s Ugliest Senate Campaign Ever|Ben Jacobs|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The first criticism, though, will resonate outside the right wing, and, well, for good reason.
‘No Drama’ Obama Finally Takes Charge and Sacks Shinseki|Michael Tomasky|May 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST

We tried to figure out the images that were really going to resonate, that really have a place in our history.
O.J., Martha, Jagger, and Manson: Capturing Celebrities in the Dock|Justin Jones|May 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The case must be strong enough to counteract the tension of the strings and yet light enough to allow the sound to resonate.
Harpsichords and Clavichords|Cynthia A. Hoover
These are questions that resonate loudly in today's political discourse and in the beliefs of very many people.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin

British Dictionary definitions for resonate

resonate

/ (ˈrɛzəˌneɪt) /

verb

to resound or cause to resound; reverberate

(of a mechanical system, electrical circuit, chemical compound, etc) to exhibit or cause to exhibit resonance

(intr often foll by with) to be understood or receive a sympathetic responsethemes which will resonate with voters

(intr: foll by with) to be filled withsimple words that seem to resonate with mystery and beauty

Derived Forms

resonation, noun

Word Origin for resonate

C19: from Latin resonāre

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012