resilient
/rษชหzษชl.i.ษnt/
Definition
Able to recover quickly from difficult situations or setbacks.
Example
She remained resilient after losing her job last year.
Show translation
She stayed strong and recovered after losing her job last year.
Etymology
From Latin *resilire* ("to spring back"), composed of *re-* ("back") + *salire* ("to jump, leap"). Entered English in the early 17th century first in a physical sense (describing materials that spring back to shape), then extended metaphorically to people and communities by the 20th century.
Cultural note
*Resilience* has become a cornerstone concept in modern psychology, education, and corporate culture, especially post-2008 financial crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be aware that in some contexts, overuse of the word can be criticized for placing the burden of recovery on individuals rather than addressing systemic problems โ a nuance worth knowing for advanced English conversations.