What is resist? Pronunciation and usage in English

resist means . Learn how to pronounce and use resist through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of resist

resistverb

/rɪˈzɪst/
Definition & pronunciation of resist

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "resist" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

1. The Basic Pronunciation:

  • Reh-zist (rhymes with "kiss")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • /rɪˈzɪst/

Let's break that down further:

  • rɪ: This part is tricky for some. It’s a quick, subtle "r" sound, almost like a very short "er." It’s not a full, strong "r" like you’d use at the beginning of a word. It’s a fast, almost blended sound.
  • ˈzɪ: This is where the emphasis (stress) is. The "i" sound is clear and short – like the "i" in "bit."
  • st: This is a simple "st" sound, like in "stop."

3. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • The "r" sound: Don’t overemphasize the "r." It’s a delicate, quick sound. Think of a very light tap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth.
  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("zis"). Make that syllable louder and longer than the first.
  • Short vowels: Be mindful of the short "i" sound in “zis.” Don't let it stretch out.

4. Listen to Examples:

It's really helpful to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Do you have a particular accent (e.g., American, British)? (Pronunciation varies slightly between accents.)

Usage and examples with the word resist in English

Let's break down how to use the word "resist" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, so understanding those is key.

1. Core Meaning: To Oppose or Fight Against

At its most basic, "resist" means to oppose or fight against something. It's about actively pushing back against a force, influence, or desire.

  • Example: "She resisted the urge to eat the entire cake." (She fought against the desire.)
  • Example: "The protesters resisted the police's attempts to clear the square." (They opposed the police's actions.)
  • Example: "The company resisted calls for greater environmental responsibility." (They didn't comply with the requests.)

2. Types of Resistance & How to Express Them

Here's where "resist" gets more interesting – it can mean different things depending on the context:

  • Physical Resistance: This is the most straightforward – direct opposition using force.
    • Example: "The soldiers resisted the enemy’s advance with fierce determination."
  • Mental/Emotional Resistance: This is fighting against thoughts, feelings, or impulses.
    • Example: "He resisted admitting he was afraid."
    • Example: "She resisted feeling angry, trying to maintain a calm demeanor."
  • Political/Social Resistance: This is opposing laws, policies, or systems.
    • Example: “The movement sought to resist the government’s oppressive policies.”
    • Example: “Citizens resisted the dictator’s attempts to control the media.”
  • Scientific/Technical Resistance: This refers to opposition to force or movement.
    • Example: "The oil resisted the drilling equipment." (It was difficult to penetrate.)
    • Example: “The substance resisted dissolution in water.” (It wouldn't dissolve easily.)

3. Useful Phrases & Variations

  • Resist temptation: Fighting against a tempting but potentially harmful desire.
  • Resist change: Being unwilling to accept new ideas or methods.
  • Resist pressure: Refusing to be swayed by external demands.
  • To be resistant to something: (Adjective form) – This describes something that is difficult to overcome or change.
    • Example: “The material is resistant to corrosion." (It doesn’t rust easily.)
    • Example: “He’s resistant to criticism.” (He doesn’t take criticism well.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

  • Oppose
  • Fight
  • Resist
  • Refuse
  • Reject
  • Combat
  • Challenge

5. Tips for Using "Resist" Effectively

  • Show why you’re resisting: Don’t just say "He resisted." Explain what he was resisting. (e.g., “He resisted the urge to lie.”)
  • Use strong verbs: "Resist" is a powerful word. Choose it when you genuinely want to convey a struggle. Sometimes, a simpler word might be more appropriate.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "resist" in? (e.g., writing a story, describing a situation, giving a speech, general conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word resist

Practice with vocabulary resist

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many employees find it challenging to ______ the temptation of checking social media during work hours.
  2. The new waterproof coating helps materials ______ moisture and mildew, extending their lifespan.
  3. Instead of directly ______ the manager's decision, Sarah chose to quietly gather data to support an alternative approach.
  4. After careful deliberation, the board decided to ______ the merger proposal, citing concerns about market saturation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes an action of actively refusing to yield or give in to external force or pressure? A. Comply B. Acquiesce C. Succumb D. Resist

  2. A well-designed firewall should be able to ______ and ______ unauthorized access attempts to a network. A. Permit B. Invite C. Withstand D. Resist

  3. To maintain a competitive edge, companies must constantly innovate and ______ stagnation in their product development. A. Embrace B. Foster C. Promote D. Resist

  4. When faced with a difficult ethical dilemma, it's important to carefully ______ all potential outcomes before making a decision. A. Embrace B. Conclude C. Evaluate D. Overlook

  5. The committee decided to ______ the new budget proposal due to significant discrepancies in the financial projections. A. Endorse B. Approve C. Reject D. Ratify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite the overwhelming evidence, the politician did not accept the accusations of corruption. (Use "resist" or related word forms)
  2. The new material is designed to endure extreme temperatures and chemical exposure without degrading. (Use "resist" or related word forms)
  3. It was challenging for him to turn down the offer of a promotion, even though it meant relocating. (Do not use "resist", but use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. resist
  2. resist
  3. challenging
  4. reject

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. D. Resist
  2. C. Withstand, D. Resist
  3. D. Resist
  4. C. Evaluate
  5. C. Reject

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The politician continued to resist the accusations of corruption, despite the overwhelming evidence.
  2. The new material is designed to resist extreme temperatures and chemical exposure without degrading.
  3. It was challenging for him to decline the offer of a promotion, even though it meant relocating.

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