resonance
UK: ˈrɛz(ə)nəns | US: ˈrɛzənəns
n. 1. The quality of being resonant; the reinforcement or prolongation of sound by reflection or synchronous vibration.
n. 2. A phenomenon in which an object or system vibrates at maximum amplitude at a specific frequency.
n. 3. (Figurative) The power to evoke enduring emotions, images, or meanings.
resonance = re<back, again> + son<sound> + ance<noun suffix>
- re: Latin prefix meaning "back" or "again," indicating repetition or intensity.
- son: From Latin sonus (sound), retained in words like "sonic" and "dissonance."
- ance: Noun-forming suffix from Latin -antia, denoting a state or quality (e.g., "elegance").
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin resonantia ("echo"), the word combines re- (emphasizing repetition) and sonus (sound), originally describing sound waves reflecting or reinforcing. Over time, it expanded to physics (vibrational harmony) and figurative contexts (emotional or intellectual impact). The morphemes logically mirror the concept of "sound echoing back."
The resonance of the violin filled the concert hall.
The bridge collapsed due to mechanical resonance with the wind.
Her speech had a deep resonance with the audience.
Scientists measured the resonance frequency of the molecule.
The old tale still holds cultural resonance today.