resonate

[ rez-uh-neyt ]

verb (used without object)

, res·o·nat·ed, res·o·nat·ing.

1. to resound.
2. to act as a resonator; exhibit resonance.
3. Electronics. to reinforce oscillations because the natural frequency of the device is the same as the frequency of the source.
4. to amplify vocal sound by the sympathetic vibration of air in certain cavities and bony structures.
5. 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.

1. to cause to resound.

resonate

/ ˈrɛzəˌneɪt /

verb

1. to resound or cause to resound; reverberate
2. (of a mechanical system, electrical circuit, chemical compound, etc) to exhibit or cause to exhibit resonance
3. introften foll bywith to be understood or receive a sympathetic response

   themes which will resonate with voters

4. intr:foll bywith to be filled with

   simple words that seem to resonate with mystery and beauty

Derived Forms

• ˌresoˈnation, noun

Other Words From

• reso·nation noun
• un·reso·nating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resonate¹

First recorded in 1870–75; from Latin resonātus “sounded again,” past participle of resonāre “to sound again”; resound

Word History and Origins

Origin of resonate¹

C19: from Latin resonāre

Example Sentences

For someone who's been acting professionally for such a long time, does the film resonate with you moving on to the next chapter of your career or life?

From Salon

A spokeswoman said it reflected the company's "commitment to maintaining a retail environment that resonates with the values of our customers and partners."

From BBC

However, Stutzman contended that the argument failed to resonate with suburban women in affluent areas such as Orange County as much as Democrats expected it to.

From Los Angeles Times

Little did they imagine that the impromptu photo shoot would go viral, their tender moment resonating with millions on TikTok and Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked if there were reasons why many people resonated with Kennedy, Goldhagen said it’s important to remember that a majority of parents are pro-vaccine.

From Salon

Related Words

• echo
• reverberate
• vibrate