resistir
resist
Mantenerse firme ante algo difícil sin rendirse o ceder.
Definition & meaning
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To resist: to oppose or withstand a force, pressure, or attack.
- El muro resistió el viento. — The wall withstood the wind.
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To endure or hold out: to tolerate a difficult situation or remain strong despite it.
- No puedo resistir este calor. — I can’t stand this heat.
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To resist a temptation: often used reflexively as resistirse , typically followed by a.
- No pudo resistirse al chocolate. — She couldn’t resist the chocolate.
Grammar & Word origin
Resistir is a regular -ir verb. It can take a direct object, or be used without one: resistir la presión means “to withstand the pressure,” while resistir on its own can mean “to hold out.”
It comes from Latin resistere, meaning “to stand back” or “oppose,” formed from re- and sistere (“to stand”).
Synonyms & antonyms
- soportar — “to endure” or “tolerate”; emphasizes bearing something unpleasant.
- aguantar — “to endure” or “hold out”; often more informal.
- oponerse — “to oppose”; emphasizes active disagreement or opposition.
- ceder — “to give in” or “yield,” the opposite of resisting pressure.
- rendirse — “to surrender” or “give up,” especially after resistance.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
No puedo resistir la tentación del chocolate.verb
I can't resist the temptation of chocolate.
María no consiguió resistir la oferta especial en la tienda.verb
María couldn't resist the special offer at the store.
¿Crees que podrán resistir hasta el final del partido sin descansar?verb
Do you think they will be able to resist until the end of the match without resting?
Ellos resistieron la fuerte tormenta bajo un pequeño techo.verb
They resisted the strong storm under a small roof.
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