résilient
The English adjective resilient is translated into French as résilient.
The term is used to describe someone or something that is psychologically or structurally tough, returning quickly to a normal state after damaging events or conditions. A synonym you may encounter is tenace, which means tenacious.
Meaning: returning quickly to normal after damaging events or conditions, psychologically or structurally tough (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine singular form is résiliente, the masculine plural form is résilients and the feminine plural form is résilientes.
Did you know?
- In French legal terminology, the verb résilier does not mean to be resilient, but to cancel or terminate a contract.
- The word résilience (the noun form) was historically used in French to describe the ability of a metal to regain its shape after being struck, long before it was applied to human emotions.
- The synonym tenace can carry a negative connotation in French, implying someone is stubborn or refuses to let go, unlike résilient.
Examples in context
- Il est très résilient face aux échecs.He is very resilient in the face of failure.
- Cette économie est devenue très résiliente.This economy has become very resilient.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a friend's recent career change.
- LéaElle a vraiment bien réagi à la nouvelle.She really reacted well to the news.
- HugoOui, elle est très résiliente.Yes, she is very resilient.
- LéaC'est une force incroyable chez elle.It is an incredible strength in her.
- HugoJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry résilient, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
