resonance
REZ-uhn-unss
/ˈrez.ən.əns/
The quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating; the reinforcement of sound by reflection or sympathetic vibration.
Occurs when an external force drives a system at its natural frequency, drastically amplifying vibrational power.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'resonantia' (echo), from 'resonare' (to sound again), formed from 're-' (again) and 'sonare' (to sound). It described sound bouncing back until physics used it for mechanical energy reinforcement.
Word relationships
- reverberation: 'Reverberation' refers to persistent wall echoes, while 'resonance' is physical frequency amplification within a structure.
- fullness: 'Fullness' describes subjective richness, whereas 'resonance' has a strict physical definition of frequency matching.
- dampening: 'Dampening' actively suppresses vibration energy, preventing resonance.
Commonly confused with
- reverberation: Reverberation is sound bouncing around a room; resonance is a object physically vibrating strongly in response to matching sound waves.
Word family
- resonant (adjective): Deep, clear, and continuing to sound.
- resonate (verb): To produce or exhibit resonance.
Collocations
- deep resonance
- acoustic resonance
- sympathetic resonance
- resonant frequency
Idioms & expressions
- find resonance with
Example sentences
- "The rich resonance of the cello body amplifies the delicate vibration of its steel strings." Instrument Design
- "Engineers installed dampeners on the suspension bridge to prevent mechanical resonance caused by strong winds." Structural Engineering
Memory hook
RE-SONANCE means sound RE-SOUNDING through physical objects. RESONANCE matches frequency to amplify sound.
When not to use
Do not confuse with plain echo; resonance requires sympathetic physical energy transfer, not just reflection.
Fun facts
- In 1940, wind gusts matched the resonant frequency of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, causing the solid steel structure to twist wildly and collapse.
Related words
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