resilient

[ ri-zil-yuhnt, -zil-ee-uhnt ]

adjective

1. springing back; rebounding.

   Synonyms: springy, flexible, elastic

2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched.
3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.

resilient

/ rɪˈzɪlɪənt /

adjective

1. (of an object or material) capable of regaining its original shape or position after bending, stretching, compression, or other deformation; elastic
2. (of a person) recovering easily and quickly from shock, illness, hardship, etc; irrepressible

Derived Forms

• reˈsiliently, adverb

Other Words From

• re·silient·ly adverb
• nonre·sili·ent adjective
• nonre·sili·ent·ly adverb
• unre·silient adjective
• unre·silient·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of resilient¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin resilient-, stem of resiliēns, present participle of resilīre “to spring back,” equivalent to re- re- + -sil-, combining form of salīre “to leap, jump”; salient

Example Sentences

“Your guess is as good as mine,” McVay said, adding, “It’s been some challenging, unique circumstances for sure. You certainly hope so, but here we are 10 weeks in and it just seems like you’re getting more resilient to handle it.”

From Los Angeles Times

“There are still way too many questions, in light of the urgency of making L.A. a more climate resilient city when it comes to water supply,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

And from there we can build a movement that ensures that we get through this dark period and deliver a fourth founding of a democracy that is responsive to what everyone wants, that is resilient, that includes everyone, and that is more perfect than any we’ve ever had before.

From Slate

In Steve McQueen’s big-budget “Blitz,” Ronan plays resilient single mother Rita, whose 9-year-old son, George, goes missing from an evacuation train to the countryside.

From Los Angeles Times

“Grinding, man. Grinding. Believing. Resilient,” Atlanta’s ageless goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who stopped nine shots in the 3-2 win, said of his team’s performance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buoyant
• strong
• supple
• tough
• volatile