really speak to or connect with someone on a personal level

resonate

verb|/ˈrɛz.ə.neɪt/

Connect deeply with or have special meaning for someone

Examples

In a meeting

This message resonates with our target demographic.

Over coffee

That book really resonated with me during a tough time.

Why this word

relate

resonate implies deep emotional or intellectual vibration, while relate is simply finding connection

appeal

resonate suggests stirring something already within someone, while appeal means attracting from outside

connect

resonate emphasizes a profound, often emotional echo, while connect is a more basic link

Usage tip

Use when something creates emotional or intellectual connection, not just agreement

Etymology

Latin 'resonare' from 're-' (again) + 'sonare' (to sound), originally about sound vibrations

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