What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resonance
Example
The singer's voice had a beautiful resonance in the concert hall. [resonance: noun]
Example
The guitar's resonance filled the room with music. [resonance: noun]
reverberation
Example
The reverberation in the cathedral was breathtaking. [reverberation: noun]
Example
The sound of the drums reverberated throughout the room. [reverberated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reverberation is more commonly used than resonance in everyday language, especially in the context of architecture and acoustics. Resonance is less common and is mostly used in the context of music and musical instruments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resonance and reverberation?
Both resonance and reverberation are formal words that are typically used in technical or specialized contexts, such as music, physics, and architecture.