resonate

American  

[rez-uh-neyt] / ˈrɛz əˌneɪt /

verb (used without object)

resonated, resonating

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.

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verb (used with object)

resonated, resonating

1. to cause to resound.

resonate British  

/ 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. to be understood or receive a sympathetic response

   themes which will resonate with voters

4. to be filled with

   simple words that seem to resonate with mystery and beauty

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Other Word Forms

• resonation noun
• unresonating adjective

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.

Example Sentences

And Wiseman, reflecting on how close they had come to the lunar surface, made a remark that will resonate in every Nasa planning room.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

“It has to resonate and feel authentic to the time,” Uhls said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Talking tough against our oldest allies may resonate with a narrow slice of the president’s base, but to a broader audience it raises uncomfortable questions.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

The American model—small shops selling snacks and packaged food—didn’t initially resonate with local consumers.

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

Just as Edward could feel Lucy’s whimpers and growls resonate through his body at night, he could also feel the deep, sad sound of Bull’s songs move through him.

From "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo

Related Words

• echo
• reverberate
• vibrate