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

He called it Buz Stop Boys, knowing the name would resonate with the public.

From BBC

And when that appeared to resonate with voters, the campaign doubled down, airing anti-transgender ads during sports games and across the swing states.

From Los Angeles Times

Tran aimed to resonate with Vietnamese American voters, an important voting bloc in the district, by sharing his story as the son of Vietnamese refugees.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump and his allies believe Harris’ message will not resonate as much as immigration and the economy.

From Los Angeles Times

And in that respect, she said, Trump’s message may in fact resonate with voters, as fear can drive people toward “that strongman, that strong character, that strong personality.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• echo
• reverberate
• vibrate