Resilient
adjective /rɪˈzɪlɪənt/ — The art of bending without breaking.
Definition
Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions; returning to original form after being stretched or compressed.
Beyond the definition
One of the most important traits a person can have — and one of the most misused words to describe it. True resilience isn't bouncing back unchanged. It's coming through hard things with your capacity intact.
Origin & history
From Latin resilire — to spring back (re- 'back' + salire 'to jump').
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She was remarkably resilient — she'd been through more than most and still showed up.
The resilient startup rebuilt after the data breach and came back stronger.
Children are more resilient than we give them credit for, but they're not invincible.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Resilient” when the meaning fits your context: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions; returning to original form after being stretched or compressed.
Synonyms
tough, adaptable, hardy, strong, buoyant
Antonyms
fragile, brittle, delicate
Related words
Resilient vs persistent
Resilient describes the ability to bounce back and recover from hardship. Persistent describes the act of continuing to work toward a goal despite obstacles or long durations of effort.
Word in the Wild
Illustrative story: an imagined scene, not a documented event or interview.
The cherry tree outside the school had been hit by a car, split down the centre, and declared dead by the grounds crew. They planned to remove it in spring.
By spring it had bloomed.
The grounds crew left it. They still pass it every morning. Most of them have stopped being surprised by it. One of them brings it water in dry spells.
Questions about this word
What does "Resilient" mean?
Resilient is adjective meaning: The art of bending without breaking.. Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions; returning to original form after being stretched or compressed.
Which words express “refusing to give up”?
Resilient — The art of bending without breaking.
Where does the word "Resilient" come from?
From Latin resilire — to spring back (re- 'back' + salire 'to jump').