What is resound? Pronunciation and usage in English

resound means . Learn how to pronounce and use resound through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of resound

resoundverb

/rɪˈzaʊnd//rɪˈzaʊnd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "resound." It can be tricky for some English speakers! Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /rɪˈsaʊnd/ (This is the most accurate representation using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ri: As in "rip" - a short, crisp "r" sound.
  • ˈsaʊ: This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "sow" – as in the female pig. The emphasis is very important here.
  • nd: As in "end" – a simple “n” sound.

3. How to Say it Aloud:

  1. Start with the "ri" sound: Say "rip" quickly.
  2. Stress the "sow" sound: Make this syllable noticeably louder and longer than the rest. It’s the key to getting the word right. Think of it like a bright, clear "sow."
  3. Finish with the "nd" sound: Say “end” quickly.

4. Tips & Common Mispronunciations:

  • Don’t pronounce the “r” in “resound”: Many people slip in a “rah” sound which isn't quite right. It’s a light, quick "r" at the beginning.
  • Avoid a drawn-out “ow” sound: It shouldn't sound like “rose-sound.” Keep the “sow” syllable short and distinct.
  • Practice: Say it repeatedly, focusing on that stressed "sow" vowel. Listen to how native speakers pronounce it (see below!).

5. Hearing it Pronounced:

  • Google: Search for "how to pronounce resound" on Google. You'll find audio examples immediately.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/resound/ - This website shows pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce resound" - many videos offer clear pronunciation guides.

To help me further, could you tell me:

  • Are you having a specific trouble spot with the pronunciation? (e.g., the "r," the "sow" sound, or the stress)?

Usage and examples with the word resound in English

Let's break down how to use the word "resound" in English. It's a bit of a tricky word because it has multiple meanings, and its usage is becoming less common than it used to be. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage - Meaning: To Resound)

  • Definition: To make a loud, clear, and resonant sound; to reverberate. It describes the quality of a sound, not just the fact that it's heard.
  • How it works: It suggests a sound that echoes and fills a space.
  • Examples:
    • "The orchestra resounded through the concert hall." (The sound was powerful and full.)
    • "The applause resounded after the performer’s final bow." (The applause was loud and echoed.)
    • “The church bells resounded across the valley.” (A deep, resonant ringing.)
    • "The music resounded with emotion." (The music's quality conveyed feeling powerfully.)

2. As a Verb (Less Common - Meaning: To Agree Strongly or Resoundingly)

  • Definition: To express strong agreement or approval; to affirm emphatically. This is a more archaic and literary usage.
  • How it works: It’s about the forcefulness of an agreement.
  • Examples:
    • "The committee resounded in agreement with the proposal." (They strongly approved.) – This usage is somewhat formal and you might find it in older writing.
    • "The crowd resounded in their support for the team." (They showed their support with great enthusiasm.) – Again, more formal.

3. As an Adjective (Very Rare - Meaning: Resonant)

  • Definition: Resonant – producing or characterized by echoes or reverberations. This is a fairly uncommon use.
  • Example: "The canyon walls created a resound echo." (The canyon walls created a resonant echo.)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • “Resound” vs. “Resonate”: These words are often confused. “Resound” focuses on the sound itself, while “resonate” focuses on the emotional impact or feeling evoked.

    • “The music resounded with sadness.” (The music sounded sad.)
    • “His words resonated with me.” (His words connected with me emotionally.)

  • Formality: The verb "resound" (meaning to make a loud sound) is considered slightly more formal than words like “echo,” “ring,” or “boom.” The verb (meaning to agree strongly) is very formal and rarely used in modern conversation.

  • Contemporary Usage: "Resound" as a verb (meaning to make a loud sound) is losing ground compared to more common words like “echo,” “reverberate,” or “boom.”

Resources for Further Exploration:

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you're thinking about when you want to use the word "resound"? (e.g., describing music, a crowd, a situation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word resound

Practice with vocabulary resound

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the annual awards ceremony, the grand ballroom would often ______ with triumphant applause.
  2. The urgent warning about potential security breaches began to ______ throughout the entire IT department.
  3. Even in the quietest moments, a faint buzzing sound seemed to ______ from the server room.
  4. It is essential for leaders to ______ their vision clearly so that all team members understand their roles.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) describe a loud, prolonged sound filling a space and often echoing? a) whisper b) resound c) reverberate d) muffle

  2. Which word(s) suggest an idea, emotion, or message being strongly felt or widely acknowledged? a) dissipate b) resonate c) resound d) diminish

  3. When the final goal was scored, the entire stadium began to _______ with an incredible roar of celebration. a) resound b) dwindle c) boom d) echo

  4. Before presenting the detailed report, the consultant needed to ______ the key findings to ensure all stakeholders grasped the core message. a) obscure b) accentuate c) articulate d) generalize

  5. The company aims to ______ best practices and innovative solutions across all its international branches. a) centralize b) disseminate c) condense d) proliferate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The strong arguments for implementing sustainable practices were widely acknowledged and discussed at the global summit. Rewrite (using "resound" or a related word form):

  2. Original: The ancient abbey walls were completely filled with the beautiful singing of the Gregorian chant during the evening service. Rewrite (using "resound" or a related word form):

  3. Original: Her inspiring message had a profound effect on the entire audience, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. Rewrite (do not use "resound" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. resound
  2. resound
  3. emanate
  4. articulate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) resound, c) reverberate
  2. b) resonate, c) resound
  3. a) resound, c) boom, d) echo
  4. b) accentuate, c) articulate
  5. b) disseminate, d) proliferate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The strong arguments for implementing sustainable practices resounded throughout the global summit.
  2. The ancient abbey walls resounded with the beautiful singing of the Gregorian chant during the evening service.
  3. Her inspiring message resonated deeply with the entire audience, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

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