What does resistible mean?
Resistible means capable of being resisted, opposed, or overcome. It may describe a force, argument, temptation, or even a person's emotional resolve, especially when the context suggests that the opposing influence is not completely powerful. For example, one might say that a particular temptation proved resistible, meaning that it could be withstood or overcome. The word is formal and relatively uncommon, and it is less typical than resistant, which describes the party doing the resisting. A key distinction is that resistant withstands pressure or opposition, while resistible is capable of being overcome by it. The related negative form, irresistible, denotes something that cannot successfully be resisted or overcome. Although natural and precise, resistible is often noticed most readily in formal writing, where its careful contrast with irresistible can be rhetorically effective.
adjectiveCapable of being resisted, resisted, or overcome. The word is relatively uncommon and often appears in formal or literary writing.
- Capable of being resisted, opposed, or overcome.
"Despite the strength of her convictions, she recognized that such passions were not entirely resistible."
"The proposed policy proved resistible after the council challenged its practical effects."
"No sooner had he declared his intention than he discovered that his determination was not entirely resistible."
Resistible describes something capable of being opposed—and therefore, in a sense, already implies that resistance is possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resistible come from?
Resistible was formed in English from resist and the suffix -ible, meaning “able to be” or “capable of being.” These elements reflect the Latin root of resist, associated with standing back or resisting. The same root also produced resistance and resistant, as well as the negative form irresistible.
Related word forms
How resistible is actually used
Relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is more readily encountered in formal prose and in discussion of resistance, temptation, persuasion, and similar concepts.
Easily confused with resistible
A resistant person or force withstands or opposes something, whereas a resistible person or force can itself be resisted or overcome.