reˈsistant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “reˈsistant” mean?
able to withstand or oppose something harmful or undesirable.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
able to withstand or oppose something harmful or undesirable; not easily affected or damaged.
Shows opposition or reluctance to change, influence, or acceptance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor preference in some technical fields (e.g., 'drug-resistant' vs. 'drug resistant' without hyphen).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in medical/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “reˈsistant” in a Sentence
resistant to [noun/noun phrase]resistant against [noun/noun phrase] (less common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reˈsistant” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The new variety of wheat is more resistant to frost.
- He's always been resistant to new technology.
- This paint is resistant to peeling and fading.
American English
- The bacteria became resistant to the antibiotic.
- She's resistant to the idea of moving overseas.
- The fabric is stain-resistant and machine washable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes markets, consumers, or employees unwilling to adopt new processes or products.
Academic
Used in scientific writing to describe organisms, materials, or systems that withstand specific forces or agents.
Everyday
Describes fabrics, surfaces, or attitudes (e.g., stain-resistant trousers, teenager resistant to advice).
Technical
Precise term in medicine (antibiotic-resistant bacteria), materials science, and engineering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reˈsistant”
- Using 'resistant' as a standalone noun (correct: 'resistance').
- Misspelling as 'resistent'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'resistant of' instead of 'resistant to'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'resistant' is an adjective. The related verb is 'resist'.
'Resistant' is an adjective describing the quality. 'Resistance' is the noun naming the quality or the act of resisting.
Yes, often in hyphenated compounds: 'a water-resistant watch', 'a fire-resistant door'.
It can be neutral or negative depending on context. It suggests stability or inertia, which may be positive or negative.
able to withstand or oppose something harmful or undesirable.
Reˈsistant is usually formal to neutral in register.
Reˈsistant: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈzɪs.tənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈzɪs.tənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Resistant to change”
- “Resistant as a mule”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SIS (sister) who is a RESIST-ANT: she strongly resists or opposes things.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPONENT IN A STRUGGLE, SHIELD, BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'resistant'?