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

Morrison, in a separate phone interview, said she was looking for a “story I could champion, and Claressa’s story was that for me. It’s so inspiring, and she’s so resilient.”

From Los Angeles Times

This process enhances functional and evolutionary diversity, both crucial for building resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding climate change.

From Science Daily

"These are powerful, resilient women … They are passionate about farming and farm life."

From Science Daily

What is it that makes them so resilient?

From Salon

“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

Related Words

• buoyant
• strong
• supple
• tough
• volatile