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”; resound

Example Sentences

As tributes pour in, his legacy as one of Hollywood’s great performers is firmly cemented in the films that continue to inspire and resonate across generations.

From Salon

It was a nice story that resonated with politicians, but it wasn’t true.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hudson Williams’ quiet portrayal of this character has resonated so well with fans and viewers who also have autism.

From Salon

They can generate language that resonates with the interests and opinions of their targets.

From Salon

"That's why it resonates. It hasn't dated in the way you might expect."

From BBC

Related Words

• echo
• reverberate
• vibrate