What does "resistant" mean?

1. (not affected by something) not easily damaged or affected by something like water, heat, or chemicals. 2. (opposing change) refusing to accept or agree with a new idea, plan, or change. 3. (not affected by outliers) describes a result that does not change much even if there are a few very different numbers in a group. 4. (a person who resists) someone who fights against a government or an invading army, often in secret.

How do you use "resistant"?

often followed by the preposition 'to'. usually followed by the preposition 'to'. used primarily in the context of data analysis and statistics.

resistant

adj. · n.

US //ɹiˈzɪstənt// UK //ɹɪsˈɪstənt// re·sis·tant

1 not affected by something (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

not easily damaged or affected by something like water, heat, or chemicals.

having the ability to withstand the effects of a specific physical or chemical agent without being damaged or altered.

Example

This watch is water-resistant, so you can wear it while washing your hands.

Example

The new strain of bacteria proved highly resistant to standard antibiotics, forcing the medical team to explore alternative treatment protocols.

Usage

often followed by the preposition 'to'.
- vulnerable
- susceptible
2 opposing change (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

refusing to accept or agree with a new idea, plan, or change.

offering opposition to a process, idea, or change; showing a psychological or social unwillingness to comply.

Example

Some older employees were resistant to the new computer system at first.

Example

The local community remained resistant to the proposed development, citing concerns over increased traffic and the loss of green space.

Usage

usually followed by the preposition 'to'.
- compliant
- receptive

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3 not affected by outliers (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Math

describes a result that does not change much even if there are a few very different numbers in a group.

describing a statistical measure that is not significantly affected by outliers or extreme values in a sample.

Example

The median is a resistant measure because one very high number won't change it much.

Example

Statisticians prefer resistant estimators when dealing with datasets that may contain significant measurement errors or extreme outliers.

Usage

used primarily in the context of data analysis and statistics.
- robust
- sensitive
4 a person who resists (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

someone who fights against a government or an invading army, often in secret.

a person who belongs to a resistance movement or actively opposes an established authority or occupying force.

Example

The young resistant risked his life to deliver secret messages during the war.

Example

Historical records identify several key resistants who coordinated the underground network during the final months of the occupation.
- rebel
- insurgent
- collaborator
- loyalist

Origin

From French résistant; equivalent to resist + -ant.