resonant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resonant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that evokes a strong emotional response or has a lasting impact, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her speech was so resonant that it left the audience in deep reflection long after it ended."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Specifically, it exploits a phenomenon called resonant coupling, in which metal coils that resonate at the same electrical frequency can exchange energy particularly efficiently.

The Economist

World Series Cup one-dayers probably would have succeeded no matter which corporate partner forked over the cash and plastered its name on the banner, but there remains something powerful and resonant about the marriage of sport and commerce that was the Benson and Hedges series'.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd like to sound the less resonant call for a document that allows for dialogue, reflecting concerns as they emerge.

The Guardian

The bodily composition of the horse, like most of the early equine depictions in the rock art, is heavily resonant of the shape of a kangaroo – evidence, perhaps, that the most common large mammal in Bininj experience initially sublimated their impressions of the foreign.

The Guardian

Her England is a nation built instead on warfare and bloodshed, an image that is as historically radical and resonant as it is artistically powerful.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can see that becoming a resonant election slogan.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is yet another resonant gesture, as one of O'Connell's predecessors, Terence MacSwiney, famously starved himself to death in Brixton prison in 1920 after being jailed by the British for sedition.

The Guardian

Well, actually there's a lot of grey and black here, too, in Scully's earthy, resonant, mysterious paintings.

The Guardian - Arts

In one sense this hardly seems newsworthy, but it is telling that even economists think that F Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece offers the most resonant (and economical) shorthand for the problems of social mobility, economic inequality and class antagonism that we face today.

The Guardian - Books

But the greatest joy of it lies in the language: playful, resonant and surprising on every page.

The Guardian - Books

Invoking Abraham Lincoln (because, why not?), Carswell reminded his supporters in the hall and the political insomniacs watching on TV that some of the most resonant words of the Gettysburg address – "government of the people, by the people, for the people" – were not in fact coined by Lincoln, but taken from the prologue to Wycliffe's Bible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resonant" to describe concepts or ideas that evoke deep emotions or have a lasting impact. For example, "The themes in the novel were deeply resonant with readers."

Common error

Avoid using "resonant" loosely in technical fields where specific frequencies or physical properties are involved; ensure it accurately reflects the technical meaning, such as in physics or engineering. Instead of saying “the material has a resonant quality”, specify the resonant frequency or property being discussed.

Linguistic Context

Resonant primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that evokes strong emotions, memories, or associations. Ludwig shows it aligns with the dictionary definitions, indicating acceptance in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "resonant" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe something evoking strong emotions or having a lasting impact. Ludwig's analysis, combined with example sentences, shows its diverse application, primarily within news and media, but also in formal and scientific contexts. As noted, it's important to use "resonant" appropriately, especially in technical contexts. Related phrases like "evocative" or "meaningful" can serve as effective alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evocative

Highlights the ability to bring strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.

meaningful

Stresses the significance and importance of something, especially in personal or emotional terms.

redolent

Similar to evocative, but often used to describe something that is suggestive of something else, typically a smell or atmosphere.

powerful

Emphasizes the strength and impact of something, particularly in influencing emotions or opinions.

significant

Similar to meaningful, but often used in more formal or objective contexts.

reverberating

Similar to echoing, often used in a more figurative sense to indicate a wide-reaching effect.

echoing

Focuses on the echoing or reverberating quality, emphasizing the sound aspect.

striking

Emphasizes the notable or remarkable quality of something, making it stand out.

vibrant

Highlights the lively and energetic quality, suitable when describing something full of life.

impressive

Focuses on the admirable or awe-inspiring quality of something.

FAQs

How to use "resonant" in a sentence?

You can use "resonant" to describe something that evokes a strong emotional response or echoes a particular quality. For example, "The speaker's message was deeply resonant with the audience."

What can I say instead of "resonant"?

You can use alternatives like "evocative", "meaningful", or "powerful" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "resonant" or "resonating"?

"Resonant" is an adjective describing something that resonates or evokes a strong feeling, while "resonating" is the present participle of the verb "resonate". For example, "resonant themes" versus "resonating frequencies".

What's the difference between "resonant" and "reverberating"?

"Resonant" implies a deeper emotional or intellectual connection or echo, while "reverberating" focuses more on the physical echoing or spreading of sound or impact. "Resonant" is often used metaphorically.