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

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

But whether that argument resonates with voters in November is not yet clear as perceptions of the two candidates remain largely unchanged despite a series of legal twists and turns in their presidential rematch. —Haisten Willis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 June 2024

The city narrowed down a master list of about 48 projects and took about 12 projects that resonated most with residents, City Manager Chris Brady said. —Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 7 June 2024

Their music seamlessly blended rock with Mexican folklore and a myriad of synthy elements, creating a sonic tapestry that resonated deeply with audiences and defied conventional labels. —Holly Alvarado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024

His personal history in commercial fishing began with a loss that resonated through the industry: His father was taken by the sea with the vessel Beth Dee Bob, one of four clam boats that went to the bottom over 13 days in 1999, killing 10 fishermen. —C.j. Chivers James Patrick Cronin Elena Hecht Anna Diamond Quinton Kamara, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

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