What does resonant mean?
Resonant describes a sound that is rich, full, powerful, or distinctly echoing, as in a resonant voice or a resonant bell. It can also describe an idea, story, image, or historical event that evokes a strong and lasting response in people. In this figurative sense, the word suggests that something continues to matter and 'echoes' in the present, even if it originated long ago. Resonant is widely used in both British and American English and appears in discussions of music, architecture, politics, culture, and personal experience. Its figurative use often carries a connotation of emotional depth, significance, or memorability rather than merely loudness. The word is especially effective when discussing something whose influence remains powerful across generations.
adjectiveProducing a rich, sustained, or echoing sound. In figurative use, having a strong emotional, cultural, or historical significance that continues to resonate with people.
- Producing a deep, rich, powerful, or echoing sound.
- Having a strong emotional, cultural, or historical significance that continues to affect people.
"Her powerful, resonant voice filled the auditorium."
"The resonant chime announced that the ceremony had begun."
"Her account of the community's history proved deeply resonant with readers across the country."
A resonant word is one that echoes long after it is spoken.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resonant come from?
Resonant derives from the Latin present participle resonans, meaning 're-sounding' or 'echoing,' from resonare, a form of resonare 'to sound again.' It entered English during the 17th century in the sense of producing echo or continuing to sound. Its later figurative use developed from the idea of one voice or idea calling forth a response in another.
Related word forms
How resonant is actually used
In figurative contexts, resonant usually suggests an idea, image, or experience that evokes a strong and lasting emotional response. It is common in cultural, political, and historical discussion and can sound somewhat formal.
Easily confused with resonant
Resonant is an adjective describing a sound or an idea that echoes or has strong significance, while resonance is the noun naming that quality or effect.