resist

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "resist" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe not giving in to something or someone, or refusing to accept a course of action. For example, "The protesters resisted the police's attempts to remove them from the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wouldn't dismiss the psychological and political impact of Ian Paisley being, in his terms, kicked around for 40 years by the establishment and then seeing an opportunity to be the establishment and being unable to resist it".

The Guardian

There are mules and camels to ride and mountain bikes to rent, but I couldn't resist trying the nine-hole "cross country" golf course, which runs along a nearby rocky riverbed and is more akin to crazy golf.

The Guardian - Travel

Avoid debate of key British foreign policy issues that might be exploited by terrorists: farewell to defending international law enshrining the right to resist colonialism and foreign military occupation.

The Guardian - Opinion

These will be the hardier ones that can resist the same antibiotic should they meet it again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Issues of how to build a common life under conditions of pluralism, how to engage people in political participation and self-government, how to decentralise political and economic power, how to resist the domination of the rich and the powerful, how to renew love and work so that life can be meaningful and fulfilling.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first, and most fateful, chapter began in January 2013, when – unable to resist backbench pressure any longer – a mid-term prime minister who hadn't won a majority conceded a referendum on whether Britain should get out of Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

No matter how famous you are, it appears, few can resist the appeal of the selfie.

The Guardian

The Lyon chairman, Jean-Michel Aulas, has signalled his intentions to resist any summer moves for the France forward Alexandre Lacazette by stating that €50m would not be enough to sign Ligue 1's top scorer this season.

The Guardian - Sport

The WWF/ANU report contends that Australia is well placed to make an orderly and low-cost transition to decarbonisation if the government can send clear and predictable policy and regulatory signals to the market, and resist special pleading from the owners of carbon intensive assets.

The Guardian

David Lan, the artistic director of the Young Vic, says: "If you resist the state, you get very badly beaten up.

The Guardian

We couldn't resist making some notes about what the candidates should do to score big in tonight's debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "resist" to describe opposition to an idea or action, clearly state what is being resisted to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "they resisted", specify "they resisted the new policy".

Common error

Avoid using "resist" when you mean to "refrain". "Resist" implies active opposition or withstanding, while "refrain" simply means to abstain from doing something. For example, "resist temptation" (oppose) versus "refrain from commenting" (abstain).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "resist" is as a verb. It signifies an action of opposing, withstanding, or attempting to counter the effects of something. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, such as resisting pressure, temptation, or changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "resist" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of opposing, withstanding, or countering something. As highlighted by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and appears very commonly across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While synonyms like "withstand", "oppose", and "defy" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, "resist" maintains a neutral register and is widely understood. To use it effectively, clearly define what is being resisted. Avoid confusing it with "refrain", which implies abstaining rather than actively opposing. By understanding these nuances, writers can confidently and accurately incorporate "resist" into their vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withstand

Implies enduring or holding out against something, similar to "resist" but focuses more on the ability to bear the impact.

oppose

Indicates active disagreement and actions taken against something, akin to "resist" but highlights the act of opposition.

defy

Suggests open and bold resistance to authority or power, adding a layer of defiance absent in the basic meaning of "resist".

counteract

Focuses on neutralizing the effects of something, a specific form of "resist" that emphasizes direct action against an influence.

hold out against

Emphasizes maintaining a position against pressure or opposition, portraying a more prolonged effort of resistance.

fight back

Implies an active struggle against an opponent or force, adding a sense of combativeness to the idea of "resist".

stand firm

Highlights unwavering resolve in the face of opposition, indicating a determined refusal to yield.

refuse to yield

Explicitly states the unwillingness to give in, emphasizing the act of maintaining one's position despite pressure.

push back against

Suggests a reactive resistance, responding to an action or influence with opposing force.

remain unaffected by

Indicates the ability to not be influenced or changed by something, highlighting the resilience aspect of "resist".

FAQs

How to use "resist" in a sentence?

Use "resist" to show opposition or withstand something. For example, "The community decided to "resist the development"" or "The material is designed to "resist wear and tear"".

What can I say instead of "resist"?

You can use alternatives like "withstand", "oppose", or "defy", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "resist" or "refrain"?

"Resist" implies actively opposing something, while "refrain" means to abstain from doing something. Use "refrain" when you mean to hold yourself back from doing something.

What's the difference between "resist" and "endure"?

"Resist" suggests actively fighting against something, while "endure" implies passively bearing something difficult or unpleasant. You resist a temptation, but you endure pain.