What does resound mean?
Resound is a formal verb with both literal and figurative uses. Literally, it means to echo or reverberate: a voice, bell, or musical note may resound through a hall or valley. Figuratively, it means to be heard, remembered, or recognized far and wide, often because something has achieved considerable importance or impact. A person may resound with laughter, a cry may resound across a battlefield, or a victory may resound throughout history. The word can suggest not merely a sound but a powerful impression, making it especially effective in formal writing, journalism, and ceremonial language. Its meaning is often stronger than that of echo, because it can convey depth, force, or widespread significance. The related words resonance, resonate, and resonant all reflect the same basic idea of sound and its emotional or symbolic effect.
verbTo echo or reverberate, especially with a deep or powerful sound. It can also mean to be heard widely or become widely known, often with a strong emotional or figurative effect.
- To echo or reverberate, producing a sound that is heard again or spreads through a space.
- To be heard widely or forcefully, or to become widely known or influential.
"The applause resounded through the hall as the performers returned to the stage."
"The bass notes resounded through the cathedral, filling every corner with sound."
"Her victory resounded throughout the country and inspired a new generation of athletes."
A voice can resound through a hall, while a name or achievement can figuratively resound across history.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resound come from?
Resound comes from Middle English, ultimately through Anglo-French from Latin resonare, a compound of the prefix re- and sonare, meaning “to sound.” The literal sense developed from sounding again or echoing, while the figurative sense arose from being heard widely or becoming famous. Its close English relatives resonance, resonate, and resonant preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How resound is actually used
The word is formal and literary, especially in figurative uses. In everyday speech, echo or reverberate is usually preferred for literal sound, while resound is often used to suggest prominence, impact, or widespread recognition.