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

Other Word Forms

• resiliently adverb
• nonresilient adjective
• nonresiliently adverb
• unresilient adjective
• unresiliently 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

The increases, he said, were needed to support “a reliable and resilient electric grid that is ready to enable the clean energy transition.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Ultimately, a resilient British food sector is utterly dependent on having a resilient British farm sector."

From BBC

“We remain committed to working with Basin states, tribes, Mexico and stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the Colorado River system.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mandelson added: "You have to be incredibly resilient, fight for early release... Your friends stay with you and love you."

From BBC

"People in Gaza are not heroes. Circumstances are forcing them to be resilient."

From BBC

Related Words

• buoyant 
• strong 
• supple 
• tough 
• volatile