resonance
C1Formal, academic, technical
Definition
Meaning
The reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection or synchronous vibration.
A quality of evoking deep emotions, memories, or significance; also used in physics and chemistry for specific vibrational states.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used metaphorically to describe how ideas or events connect with people on an emotional or intellectual level.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; usage is similar in both dialects.
Connotations
Equally connotes depth and impact in metaphorical contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in everyday metaphorical use, but common in academic contexts globally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
resonance withresonance ofresonance inVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in resonance with”
- “strike a chord of resonance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new marketing campaign achieved resonance with younger demographics.
Academic
Scholarly debates often explore the resonance of historical events in modern society.
Everyday
His advice about patience had a personal resonance during tough times.
Technical
Engineers adjusted the system to avoid acoustic resonance in the structure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The charity's mission resonates with volunteers across the UK.
American English
- His innovative ideas resonated with investors in Silicon Valley.
adverb
British English
- She sang resonantly, filling the concert hall with warmth.
American English
- The speaker presented his case resonantly, swaying the jury.
adjective
British English
- The actor delivered his lines in a resonant voice that captivated the theatre.
American English
- The canyon produced resonant echoes during the hike.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big bell made a loud resonance when it was rung.
- The story about friendship had a nice resonance with the children.
- Environmental issues find resonance among many young activists today.
- The philosopher's arguments carried a profound resonance in contemporary ethical discussions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link 'resonance' to 'resonate' – when something resonates deeply, it creates resonance.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE SOUND WAVES THAT RESONATE WITH PEOPLE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'резонанс' for all contexts; in English, 'resonance' often implies emotional depth, not just agreement or echo.
- Do not use 'resonance' to mean simple popularity; it conveys a sustained or profound connection.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'resonance' as a verb; the correct verb is 'resonate'.
- Misspelling as 'reasonance' or confusing with 'resonant'.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what does 'resonance' primarily describe?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it has specific uses in physics and chemistry, it is widely used metaphorically in everyday language to describe things that evoke a strong response.
No, 'resonance' is a noun; the verb form is 'resonate'. For example, 'The idea resonates with me' is correct.
'Reverberation' typically refers to the persistence of sound after it is produced, while 'resonance' can imply a sustained vibration or, metaphorically, a lasting impact or connection.
Try incorporating it into sentences about topics that evoke deep feelings or significance, such as in essays on art, society, or personal experiences, ensuring it fits the context.