What does resonate mean?
Resonate is a verb with both a physical meaning and a widely used figurative one. In the literal sense, a sound or voice continues by echoing, as when a note reverberates in a hall. In the figurative sense, a thought, image, story, or value evokes a strong feeling of understanding, approval, or personal relevance in someone else. People commonly say that an idea “resonates with” an audience, meaning that it strikes a responsive chord rather than merely being logically persuasive. The word is common in thoughtful and professional discussion, but it often carries a warmer, more sympathetic tone than neutral terms such as “agrees with” or “is relevant to.” Resonate can also describe an issue that “resonates deeply,” indicating a particularly strong emotional response. Its usefulness lies in this combination: it can describe an actual acoustic echo while also capturing how a message seems to echo within its audience.
verbTo produce or continue with an echoing sound. In figurative use, to evoke a strong feeling, belief, or sense of understanding in someone.
- To evoke a strong feeling, belief, or sense of understanding in someone.
- To produce or continue with an echoing sound.
"Her account of the struggle resonated deeply with listeners across the country."
"The proposal resonated strongly with younger members of the organization."
"Her voice resonated through the vast, silent chamber."
Resonate literally means “to sound back,” and figuratively describes when an idea seems to echo inside someone else.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How resonate is actually used
The figurative sense is common in thoughtful and professional discourse and often suggests a sympathetic emotional or intellectual response. The physical sense is used in acoustics and related technical contexts.
Easily confused with resonate
Resonate is a verb describing an echo or a figurative emotional response, whereas resonance is a noun naming that quality, phenomenon, or effect.