resistance
ri-ZIS-tunss
/rɪˈzɪstəns/
The refusal to accept or comply with something; in physics, the force that opposes motion.
In aquatic sports, it refers to 'drag'—the water pushing back against the swimmer or boat.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'resistere', meaning to stand back or withstand. It entered English through Old French in the 14th century.
Word relationships
- drag: Drag is the specific term for fluid resistance in physics.
- assistance: A force that helps motion rather than opposing it.
Commonly confused with
- friction: Friction is between two solids; resistance (drag) is within a fluid.
Word family
- resist (verb): To withstand or oppose.
- resistant (adjective): Offering resistance.
Collocations
- water resistance
- air resistance
- low resistance
Idioms & expressions
- path of least resistance
Example sentences
- "Water provides more resistance than air, making pool workouts very effective." Exercise science
- "The new swimsuit material was designed to minimize water resistance." Engineering
Memory hook
The water 'resists' your movement. Resistance = Push back.
When not to use
In a political context, it refers to opposition; in sports, it is almost always a physical force.
Fun facts
- Water is about 800 times denser than air, which is why resistance is so high.
Related words
Explore more words
impedance, conductivity, stability, Mass, attenuation, resonance
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