resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈre-zə-ˌnāt 

resonated; resonating; resonates

intransitive verb

1

: to produce or exhibit resonance

A person’s voice … is made by sound resonating in the mouth and nose …

—Ken Carlson

2

: to respond as if by resonance

resonate to the music

also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance

3

: to affect or appeal to someone in a personal or emotional way

a message that resonates with voters

transitive verb

: to subject to resonating

Did you know?

Resonate vs. Reverberate

Resonate and reverberate each have at least one meaning that is concerned with sound, and they carry a degree of overlap in their definitions. However, there are some subtle differences between them that are worth observing. Resonate typically suggests that a single lasting sound is produced; reverberate, on the other hand, indicates that an initial sound is followed by a series of echoes. In terms of the contexts in which they are used, resonate often involves a person (“that passage of the book resonated with many young readers”); reverberate, on the other hand, is more likely to be used of a thing, such as the aftermath of some major event (“the shock caused by the assassination reverberated across Europe”).

Synonyms

• echo
• reecho
• resound
• reverberate
• sound

Examples of resonate in a Sentence

The siren resonated throughout the city.

The deep sounds of the bassoon resonated through the concert hall.

Recent Examples on the Web

Maybe you are attached to your website or the messaging that has resonated with your donors for years. —Howard Schiffer, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

Oscar shortlists offer crucial insight into awards season contenders The Oscar shortlists, which are announced in 10 major categories, offer a glimpse into which films are resonating with voters and which campaigns might lose momentum. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Consider the journey of a motivational speaker crafting a narrative that resonates with millions. —Mo Hamzian, Rolling Stone, 17 Dec. 2024

While serving under President Biden, Harris toured college campuses and focused on issues that resonate with students, like gun violence and climate change. —Chris Megerian, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈrez-ᵊn-ˌāt 

resonated; resonating

1

: to produce or exhibit resonance

2

a

: to respond as if by resonance

resonate to the music

b

: to strike a chord

a message that resonates with voters