Resignate or Resonate? Correct Term and Proper Use

English can be tricky, especially when it comes to similar-sounding words that carry different meanings. Two such words are resignate and resonate. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to use “resignate” or “resonate,” you’re not alone!

In this article, we will break down these two words, explore their meanings, and provide examples of proper usage in different contexts.

Whether you’re writing an email, an article, or just having a conversation, knowing the right word to choose can make a big difference in how your message is received.

What Does “Resonate” Mean?

Let’s start with resonate since it’s the more common term. To resonate means to evoke a feeling, emotion, or memory in someone, often in a profound or lasting way. It can also refer to the way sound reverberates, especially in a way that feels deep or rich.

For example, you might say:

• “Her words really resonated with me. I’ll never forget that speech.”
• “The sound of the church bells resonated throughout the village.”

In the first example, resonate refers to the emotional impact of the speech. In the second, it describes the way sound fills or echoes through the environment.

Scenario: Email to a Colleague

Imagine you’re writing an email to a colleague after a meeting, and you want to express that a particular idea stood out to you:

Subject: Follow-up on Meeting: The Importance of Team Collaboration

Hi Sarah,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that your point about team collaboration really resonated with me. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot recently, and I’m excited to see how we can implement some of those ideas into our next project.

Thanks for sharing your insights!

Best,
John

Here, resonate is used correctly to indicate that Sarah’s point had a significant impact on John.

What Does “Resignate” Mean?

Now, let’s address resignate, which is actually not a correct word in standard English. In fact, resignate doesn’t appear in the dictionary, and there is no official definition for it. However, some people mistakenly use it when they actually mean resonate. If you’ve ever typed resignate in place of resonate, you’re not alone.

It’s a common typo or confusion, especially when people aren’t familiar with the proper term.

In casual conversation, people might throw around the word resignate out of habit, but in writing—especially in professional or formal contexts using resignate is a no-go. Instead, always go with resonate.

Scenario: Misused in an Email

Let’s take a look at an example of resignate used incorrectly in an email:

Subject: Feedback on Your Presentation

Hi Mark,

I just wanted to tell you that your presentation was great. The section on marketing strategies really resignated with me. I think it’s something we can apply right away.

Best,
Emma

In this example, the word resignated is clearly a mistake. It should have been resonated, which would indicate that the marketing strategies had a meaningful impact on Emma. If Emma had written “resignated,” her reader would likely be confused, unsure whether she made a typo or was attempting a word that doesn’t exist.

Resignate vs Resonate: A Quick Comparison

Let’s break it down further with a simple table comparing the two terms:

Term	Definition	Correct Usage
Resonate	To evoke a deep emotional or sensory response; sound reverberating.	“Her story resonated with me.” / “The sound of the bell resonated in the air.”
Resignate	Not a valid word in the English language. Often a mistake for “resonate.”	Incorrect. Should be replaced by resonate.

From this table, it’s clear that resonate is the correct term, while resignate is a non-standard term that you should avoid.

Why is “Resonate” the Right Choice?

The key distinction here is that resonate is widely accepted and understood in both everyday and professional language. It’s a word you’ll encounter in almost any context, from literature to casual conversation, to scientific or technical discussions.

On the other hand, resignate is not only incorrect but also sounds unprofessional, making it a word to avoid entirely.

Scenario: Writing a Blog Post

Let’s consider an example of resonate used correctly in a blog post:

Title: How to Craft a Message That Truly Resonates with Your Audience

When you’re writing for your audience, it’s crucial that your words resonate with them. Whether you’re sharing a personal story, offering advice, or presenting facts, your goal should be to make a connection. If your message resonates, it will stick with your readers long after they’ve finished reading.

This usage shows how resonate helps convey the idea of emotional or intellectual connection. If the word resignate had been used instead, it would create confusion and take away from the post’s credibility.

Common Mistakes: Resonate or Resignate?

As mentioned earlier, people often mix up resonate with resignate because the two words sound similar. Here’s a quick recap of why this happens:

1. Sound Confusion: Both resonate and resignate sound almost identical when spoken, leading to mistakes when writing.
2. Typographical Error: Sometimes, the fingers slip and “resignate” ends up on the screen when the writer meant to type “resonate.”
3. Lack of Familiarity: Because resignate is rarely used and isn’t a standard word, some may assume it’s a legitimate alternative to resonate.

So, if you’re ever unsure about which one to use, always remember that resonate is the word you’re looking for.

Real-Life Example: Speaking Engagement

Let’s consider an example of a resonate moment from a famous speaker, like Dr. Maya Angelou. When she delivered her powerful speeches, her words often resonated deeply with audiences. The emotional impact of her words stuck with listeners long after they left the event.

In this context, resonate refers to the lasting emotional connection made by the speaker. Had someone mistakenly used resignate, the impact of that statement would be lost entirely.

Conclusion:

Resonate is the Winner

In the battle of resignate vs resonate, resonate is the clear winner, and there’s really no competition. Whether you’re trying to express the emotional power of your words, describe the reverberation of sound, or discuss the lasting impact of a message, resonate is the term that will always serve you well. Stick to it, and your writing will sound clear, professional, and precise.

Final Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

• Proofread your writing carefully. Mistakes like “resignate” are easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention.
• Use a dictionary. If you’re ever unsure whether a word is correct, a quick check can save you from embarrassing errors.
• Practice using resonate in your everyday writing so it becomes second nature.

With these simple steps, you’ll be able to avoid the mistake of using resignate and ensure your writing is both accurate and professional.