Resonant

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɹɛzənənt/

Definitions

1. Having a deep, rich, and continuing sound that evokes strong emotions or memories
2. Producing or characterized by deep, vibrant tones that amplify and persist through a space, or figuratively striking a meaningful chord with an audience
3. Capable of vibrating sympathetically at a particular frequency or of creating powerful emotional and intellectual impact through meaningful connection

Etymology: "Resonant" comes from the Latin verb "resonare," meaning "to sound again" or "to echo," built from "re-" (back, again) and "sonare" (to sound), the same root that gives "sonic" and "sonata." The adjective reached English by way of French "résonnant," which is itself drawn from Latin "resonantem," the present participle form of that verb. The sense of an echoing sound bouncing back is the literal core of the word, and it is still visible in its physical meaning of a tone that fills a room and lingers. The figurative sense, a speech or idea that strikes a chord with listeners, grew naturally out of that acoustic picture. A voice that rings through a hall and keeps going is easily imagined as a message that stays with people after it is delivered, so the word moved from describing sound to describing ideas that reverberate in the mind.

Synonyms: echoing, vibrant, rich, deep, sonorous

Antonyms: dull, quiet, soft, weak, flat