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resonate

/ˌrɛznˈeɪt/
/ˈrɛzəneɪt/
IPA guide

Other forms: resonates; resonated; resonating

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.

Definitions of resonate
  1. verb
    produce a deep, clear sound
    “The sound resonates well in this theater”
    synonyms: vibrate
    see moresee less
    types:
    make vibrant sounds, purr
    indicate pleasure by purring; characteristic of cats
    type of:
    go, sound
    make a certain noise or sound
  2. verb
    be received or understood
    synonyms: come across
    see moresee less
    types:
    strike a chord
    create an emotional response
Pronunciation
US
/ˌrɛznˈeɪt/
UK
/ˈrɛzəneɪt/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘resonate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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