resonance

[ˈɹɛzənəns]
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resonances - resonance

Resonance refers to a state or process where vibrations or energy match and intensify each other. It's like when you hum along with your favorite song, and suddenly the whole room starts humming too.

When we talk about resonance, usually we're thinking about how two things can make each other stronger by matching their frequencies. For example, in music, resonance is what happens when a guitar string vibrates at the same pitch as another instrument or even a building's acoustics. This is why some concert halls sound amazing – the design helps create perfect resonance between the music and the space.

In science, researchers often talk about resonance when studying vibrations and energy transfer. For instance, in physics, resonance occurs when an object vibrates at the same frequency as its surroundings, causing it to amplify the effect. In engineering, resonance can be a problem if not managed correctly – imagine a bridge swaying too much because of resonance from nearby traffic or waves.

But outside of science and music, we might use the word "resonance" metaphorically, like when someone says that a particular place or event has emotional resonance for them. This usually means it's had a lasting impact on their feelings or memories.

How common is "resonance"?

Word resonance is considered uncommon in modern English.
It appears most frequently in academic texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions

noun

  • The quality of being resonant.

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Real examples of "resonances" in context

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