Resonance
Word of the Day
What is Resonance?
noun
The quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating; the ability to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen to reflect the profound impact and emotional depth of performances and messages delivered during Coachella 2025.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The resonance of the cathedral’s bells could be heard across the town.
Her speech had a resonance that moved everyone in the room.
The novel’s themes had a deep resonance with readers worldwide.
Word Origins
From Latin resonantia, meaning “echo” or “resounding”.
Initially used in physics and acoustics; now also common in literary and emotional contexts.
First appearance in English: 15th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Noun:
The resonance of the hall enhanced the orchestra’s performance.
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Verb:
Her words resonate with people from all walks of life.
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Adjective:
He has a deep, resonant voice.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: resonancia
- French: résonance
- German: Resonanz
- Italian: risonanza
- Portuguese: ressonância
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Echo
A direct repetition of sound, whereas resonance implies depth and richness.
Reverberation
Refers to the persistence of sound after it is produced; resonance includes emotional impact.
Resurgence
A revival or increase, often used in different contexts than resonance.
Sympathy
In physics, sympathetic resonance refers to a harmonic phenomenon; in emotion, it denotes shared feelings.
Fun Facts
- In physics, resonance occurs when a system vibrates at its natural frequency due to an external force.
- The term “resonance” is used in chemistry to describe the delocalization of electrons in molecules.
Cultural Usage
- The resonance in Adele’s voice contributes to the emotional depth of her songs.
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech continues to have resonance decades later.
Common Mistakes
Often confused with “resonance” in physics, but in everyday use, it often refers to emotional or cultural impact.
Micro Story
The resonance of her voice left the audience in awe, lingering long after the performance ended.