resonate

verb

res·​o·​nate ˈre-zə-ˌnāt 

resonated; resonating

intransitive verb

1

: to produce or exhibit resonance

2

: to respond as if by resonance

resonate to the music

also : to have a repetitive pattern that resembles resonance

3

: to relate harmoniously : strike a chord

a message that resonates with voters

transitive verb

: to subject to resonating

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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

The results suggest that Vega and Iwanaga’s messages of preserving the character of Morgan Hill resonated with voters. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024

Banegas' stance has resonated with many on TikTok, where users overwhelmingly supported her position. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

This understanding is crucial for fostering a culture that genuinely resonates throughout the organization. —Serenity Gibbons, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Burch made national news for sharing her story about having to end a much-wanted pregnancy, a story that resonated with the current state and nationwide debate over reproductive health care. —Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 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