resistivity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific / Academic
Quick answer
What does “resistivity” mean?
The inherent physical property of a material that quantifies how strongly it opposes the flow of electric current.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The inherent physical property of a material that quantifies how strongly it opposes the flow of electric current.
By metaphorical extension, any inherent property that resists or opposes a specific process or influence, such as the 'resistivity' of a population to a new idea.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation differences are minor (see IPA). The term is equally common in both technical registers.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical. No cultural connotations differ between regions.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard and high frequency in physics, materials science, and electrical engineering contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “resistivity” in a Sentence
The resistivity of [material] is [value][Material] has a resistivity of [value]to measure/determine the resistivityresistivity increases/decreases with [temperature]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in highly technical industries (e.g., 'The low resistivity of our new alloy reduces energy loss in components').
Academic
Common in physics, engineering, and materials science papers and textbooks. Core concept in electromagnetism.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A layperson would say 'how well it conducts electricity' or 'how much it resists electricity'.
Technical
The primary and most common context. Used in specifications, research, and engineering design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resistivity”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resistivity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resistivity”
- Using 'resistivity' and 'resistance' interchangeably. (Resistance depends on size/shape; resistivity is a material constant).
- Mispronouncing with stress on the first syllable (/ˈrɛzɪstɪvɪti/). Correct stress is on the third syllable.
- Forgetting that it's a non-count noun when referring to the property: 'Copper has low resistivity' (not 'a low resistivity').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Resistance (R) is a property of a specific object (like a wire) and depends on its dimensions. Resistivity (ρ) is a property of the material itself, independent of shape or size. R = ρ * (length/area).
Typically not. You refer to 'the resistivity' of a material, not 'a resistivity'. However, you can have 'different resistivities' when comparing multiple materials.
Yes, but it is a metaphorical extension. For example, 'cultural resistivity' to change. However, in strict technical writing, it is primarily an electrical term.
The only direct synonym is 'specific electrical resistance'. 'Impedance' is related but not synonymous.
The inherent physical property of a material that quantifies how strongly it opposes the flow of electric current.
Resistivity is usually technical / scientific / academic in register.
Resistivity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɪz.ɪˈstɪv.ɪ.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriː.zɪˈstɪv.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'resist-ivity' as the 'quality of resisting' electric flow. It's the 'ivity' (the inherent nature) of a material to 'resist' current.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IS FRICTION. Resistivity is the measure of how 'rough' or 'sticky' the material's internal path is for electrons.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is measured in ohm-metres (Ω·m)?