What does resoundingly mean?
Resoundingly is an adverb meaning emphatically, strikingly, or impressively. It describes something that produces an especially strong or unmistakable impression, most often a favorable one. Typical expressions include resoundingly successful, resoundingly convincing, and resoundingly clear. The adverb intensifies the quality of the word it modifies and implies that the result or effect is difficult to overlook. It is especially common in formal reporting, criticism, and commentary, though it can also appear in ordinary conversation when the speaker wants to express strong approval. Derived from resound, it carries the idea of echoing through the mind or surroundings with force and clarity. Although it can be used in contexts that are not positive, its familiar usage often emphasizes impressive success, clarity, or appeal.
adverbIn a way that is striking, emphatic, or impossible to ignore, often with a strong positive effect.
- In a strikingly emphatic or impressive manner.
"The policy proved resoundingly successful and was adopted by several other countries."
"Her argument was resoundingly persuasive, and the committee changed its position."
"The performance was resoundingly received by audiences across the country."
When something is resoundingly successful, its success is not merely noticeable but impossible to overlook.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resoundingly come from?
Resoundingly derives from the verb resound, which means to sound loudly or echo, and from the adverbial suffix -ly. Resound comes through Middle English from Old French resoner, ultimately from Latin resonare, a form of sonare, meaning “to sound.” The family includes related English words such as resonance and resonant, all sharing the idea of sound or echo.
How resoundingly is actually used
Commonly used with positive evaluations such as successful, clear, convincing, or popular. It is more emphatic than simply very or extremely and generally carries a favorable connotation.
Easily confused with resoundingly
Resounding is an adjective describing something very noticeable or emphatic, whereas resoundingly is an adverb modifying a verb, adjective, or adverb.