Resonate
/ˈrɛzəneɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo produce or be filled with a deep, clear, and continuing sound; to echo or vibrate.
/ˈrɛzəneɪt/
To produce or be filled with a deep, full, reverberating sound.
The church bells resonated through the valley.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really loud drum. When you hit it, the sound keeps going for a little while, right? That's resonating! It's like the sound is still vibrating and echoing.
👶 For kids: When something makes a long, strong sound, like a big drum that keeps sounding for a little while.
More Examples
The cello's deep notes resonated in the concert hall.
The sound of the explosion resonated for miles.
How It's Used
"The bridge began to resonate with the wind's frequency."
"The guitar's body resonated beautifully when the musician played."
To have a particular meaning or be important to someone; to affect or appeal to someone in a meaningful way.
/ˈrɛzəneɪt/
To evoke feelings or emotions; to strike a chord.
Her words resonated with the students who had experienced similar struggles.
💡 Simply: Have you ever heard a story or seen something that just *clicked* with you? Like, it made you feel something deep inside? That means it resonated with you! It's like it's echoing in your feelings.
👶 For kids: When something makes you feel something strong, like a story that makes you feel happy or sad.
More Examples
The movie's message of hope resonated with many viewers.
His story of overcoming adversity resonated with the audience.
How It's Used
"The speaker's message resonated deeply with the audience."
"The novel's themes resonated with contemporary readers."
Idioms & expressions
Resonate with
To have a significant or emotional impact on someone.
"Her story about overcoming obstacles really resonated with the audience."
From Latin resonare, meaning 'to re-sound' or 'to echo'. It's a combination of re- (again) and sonare (to sound).
Used in the 17th century to describe the echoing of sound, later expanded to refer to emotional or meaningful connections.
Memory tip
Think of a bell ringing and the sound continuing, echoing. It's the sound that RESONATES.
Word Origin
"to re-sound, to echo"