Have you ever seen or heard someone say, ‘that really resonated with me’? If so, you might be wondering whether the person actually meant ‘resignate’ instead of resonate. While resolve does indeed sound like a word, it does lead to a lot of confusion. Whether you resignate or resonate, it effectively means the same thing. But does it? Which one is worse? “Reignate” is as bad as it gets.
The term that does exist is “resonate.” It refers to either something feeling special to you or making you think something along the lines, ‘“wow, this is exactly how I feel’. Once you learn the trick in this case, knowing the difference between resignate and resonate becomes a walk in the park.
For this lesson, I would like to teach you the real meaning resonate has, the phonation and syntax behind resignate, and more importantly, how you can use this word with ease. What are we waiting for? Let’s start moving!
Resignate vs Resonate – What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up the main confusion right away:
Resonate is the correct word.
Resignate is not a real word in modern English.
| Aspect | Resignate | Resonate |
| Definition | ❌ Not a valid English word | ✅ To produce or be filled with a deep, full sound or evoke strong feelings or beliefs |
| Status | Incorrect | Correct |
| Usage | Not accepted | Widely accepted |
| Examples | N/A | “Her words really resonate with me.” |
What Is Resonate?
Definition
Resonate is a verb that refers to producing a rich, deep sound that continues to vibrate, or metaphorically, to evoke a strong emotional response or personal connection.
Etymology and Origin
The word resonate comes from the Latin word resonare, which means “to resound”. Its roots make it clear that it refers to sounds carrying through space and, metaphorically, ideas or emotions reverberating within people.
Common Usage in Sentences
- The singer’s voice resonates through the concert hall.
- His story really resonates with people who have experienced loss.
- The message resonated with voters across the country.
Contextual Usage
- In Music: When sound waves vibrate and amplify, they resonate.
- In Communication: When a message feels deeply personal or meaningful, it resonates.
- In Marketing: Advertisers hope their campaigns resonate with their target audience.
What Is Resignate?
Definition
Resignate is not an officially recognized English word. However, it’s a common mispronunciation and misunderstanding of either:
- Resonate – Meaning to reverberate or evoke strong feelings.
- Resign – Meaning to voluntarily leave a job or position.
Why Do People Say Resignate?
This incorrect word likely emerges from a blend of resign and resonate, creating a hybrid that sounds real but isn’t.
Examples of Misuse
- ❌ “The speech really resignated with me.”
- ❌ “That song really resignates with the younger audience.”
In both cases, resonate is the correct word.
Key Differences Between Resignate and Resonate
| Aspect | Resignate | Resonate |
| Part of Speech | Not applicable | Verb |
| Meaning | No official meaning | To echo, vibrate, or evoke strong emotions |
| Correctness | Incorrect | Correct |
| Common Misuse | Used mistakenly instead of resonate | Correct usage in formal and informal contexts |
| Examples | None (incorrect) | “The message resonates with me.” |
Read Also: Cancellation vs Cancelation: Which Spelling Is Correct? (Easy Guide)
Example Scenarios to Illustrate the Difference
Scenario 1: A Speech at a Graduation Ceremony
- ❌ Incorrect: “The principal’s speech really resignated with the students.”
- ✅ Correct: “The principal’s speech really resonated with the students.”
Scenario 2: Describing a Marketing Campaign
- ❌ Incorrect: “The campaign’s message resignated with young consumers.”
- ✅ Correct: “The campaign’s message resonated with young consumers.”
Scenario 3: Talking About a Song
- ❌ Incorrect: “That song resignates with my mood today.”
- ✅ Correct: “That song resonates with my mood today.”
Why Do People Confuse Resignate and Resonate?
1. Misheard Words
People hear resonate but misunderstand it as resignate, especially in fast speech.
2. Combining Resign and Resonate
Since resign is a familiar word, people unconsciously attach the suffix “-ate” to form resignate, thinking it could be correct.
3. False Friends
In some dialects or regional speech patterns, resignate can sound natural, even if it’s grammatically incorrect.
4. Social Media Spread
The misuse of resignate on platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube has amplified the confusion.
Synonyms & Antonyms for Resonate
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Resonate | Echo, reverberate, ring, strike a chord | Fade, silence |
| Resignate | ❌ None (invalid) | None |
Which One Should You Use? (Practical Tips for Writers)
Quick Tip
If you’re talking about something echoing or evoking strong emotions, resonate is your word.
If you’re talking about quitting a job, use resign.
The History and Evolution of Resonate
Although the core meaning of resonate relates to sound, its figurative meaning – evoking deep emotions – became especially popular in the 20th century.
In marketing, literature, and even political speeches, resonate is now a power word. If a message resonates, it strikes a personal or cultural chord, making it memorable and impactful.
The Problem With Resignate in Professional Writing
Academic Writing
Using resignate in essays or research papers will hurt your credibility. Stick with resonate.
Business Communication
Professional emails, reports, and presentations should always use resonate when describing something impactful.
Creative Writing
Even in fiction or poetry, resignate sounds awkward and unpolished. Professional editors will flag it immediately.
Read Also: Totaling or Totalling? Easy Guide to Correct Spelling!
How to Avoid Confusing Resignate and Resonate
1. Visual Reminder
Create a flashcard:
- Side 1: ❌ Resignate – NOT A WORD
- Side 2: ✅ Resonate – Correct
2. Audio Cue
Whenever you hear someone say resignate, mentally correct it to resonate.
3. Practice Sentences
Write 10 sentences using resonate to cement the correct usage.
4. Grammarly or Spell Check
Most grammar tools will flag resignate as an error.
Fun Fact: Has Resignate Ever Been a Word?
While some obscure historical texts from the 1600s do use resignate, it was never standardized into modern English. Today, linguists classify it as an archaic error, not valid modern usage.
Final Thoughts
If you want to describe a special feeling inside, remember to use resonate. It tends to fit best when a story, speech or a song makes your heart sing in appreciation. When you hear a song that fits so perfectly to how you feel, it makes your heart sing a statement of amazement.
Have you heard of the term ‘resignate’? Surprise! This term does not actually exist. Even though it sounds pretty, it doesn’t hold any meaning so don’t bother with it. It’s best to stick with resonate.
Congratulations! You are a step further in being a word expert. In case you run into people at school or online, feel passionate to share outstanding stories and facts that help them comprehend the importance of resonate. With my given advice, you will be able to use this word in appropriate scenarios without feeling embarrassed.
