Resonates

Resonates is the third-person singular present tense of the verb resonate. It describes the action of producing or being filled with a deep, reverberating sound; to continue to sound or echo after the original source has ceased. It can also describe something that evokes a strong emotional response or is in harmony with someone’s values, experiences, or sensibilities.

Resonate derives from Latin resonare, meaning to resound. The related noun is resonance, and the adjective resonant describes something with a resonating quality.

In physics and engineering, resonance is the tendency of a system to oscillate with greater amplitude at certain frequencies. When a system resonates, it responds strongly at its natural frequency. The verb resonates describes an instance of that behavior, such as a singer’s voice resonating in a concert hall or a tuning fork resonating at its pitch. In electrical and mechanical systems, resonant conditions can amplify signals or responses.

Metaphorically, the term is used for ideas, messages, or works that connect with an audience or reflect shared experiences. A speech, song, or brand message can resonate with people long after it is delivered, conveying relevance or emotional impact.

See also resonance, resonator, resonant frequency.