resistant
Meaning
able to withstand or oppose something harmful or unwanted
not affected by something, especially a disease, drug, or chemical
Structure
Usage
the new variety of wheat is resistant to several common diseases.
this fabric is treated to be water resistant.
he has become resistant to the effects of the medication.
Etymology
the word "resistant" is built upon the latin verb resistere, meaning "to make a stand against, to oppose". this verb itself is a compound of the prefix re- ("against" or "back") and sistere ("to stand, to cause to stand"). the core concept is one of standing firm in opposition to a force. the suffix -ant, via old french, was added to form the present participle and later an adjective, describing the quality of withstanding. thus, the literal "standing back against" evolved into the modern abstract sense of being impervious or offering opposition to physical forces, diseases, or change.
Analysis
- re: latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back". - sist: latin origin, from the verb sistere, meaning "to stand". - ant: latin/french origin, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "performing (a specified action)" or "being in (a specified condition)".