WordGarden.ioresistible
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪsˈɪstəbəl/
US
Meanings
Adjective
able to be resisted, withstood, or turned down
Beyond the definition
Something resistible is not impossible to fight, avoid, or say "no" to. It means a person still has some power to push back or stay in control. Think of a tempting dessert: it may look delicious, but it is still resistible if you are trying to eat healthy. Or think of a weak argument; it can be resisted because it does not have strong evidence behind it. The word suggests that something is not all-powerful. A strong king may believe his orders must be obeyed, but even he can face resistible forces like rebellion or a lack of resources.
The word resistible describes anything that can be opposed, withstood, or overcome. It is the opposite of irresistible, meaning something doesn't have an overwhelming power to compel you. While "irresistible" suggests a lack of choice, "resistible" highlights the possibility of agency and opposition.
You might describe a political proposal as resistible if it faces strong public disapproval or legal challenges. A temptation is resistible when willpower can overcome desire. A threat is resistible if defenses are in place to counter it. The key idea is that there's a potential for successful resistance, even if it requires effort.
Historically, resistible was often used in philosophical and theological contexts to discuss free will versus determinism—the question of whether our choices are truly ours or predetermined by fate. If everything were irresistible, then free will wouldn't exist!
Today, while less common than its opposite, resistible is still a useful word for emphasizing that something isn't inevitable and can be challenged. It suggests a situation where opposition is possible, even if difficult. So, when you encounter something labeled resistible, remember it's not a force to be passively accepted—it's an invitation to push back.
Examples
- 1
Food
The cookies smelled great, but they were surprisingly resistible once I tasted one.
- 2
Job offer
The job offer seemed exciting at first, but it was resistible once I learned it included weekend shifts.
- 3
Critical review
The reviewer called the sequel "highly resistible."
- Usage
resistible is rare and often used for a slightly humorous or critical effect
See also
Similar
- withstandable
- opposable
Shades of meaning
- manageable
- bearable
- refusable
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- resistible temptation
- resistible urge
- barely resistible
Word family
Explore
- self-control
- temptation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- resistibleadjective