How to pronounce resist
Say it like rih-ZIST. Resist has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZIST).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce resist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- rih
- ZIST
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Resist pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- rihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ZISTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of resist
American and British speakers say resist in essentially the same way: /rɪˈzɪst/ in the US and /rɪˈzɪst/ in the UK.
British respelling: rih-ZIST.
What does resist mean?
- elude, especially in a baffling way“This behavior defies explanation”
- stand up or offer resistance to somebody or something
- express opposition through action or words“dissent to the laws of the country”
Where does resist come from?
From Middle English resisten, from Middle French resister and Old French resistre, and their source, Latin resistere, from re- + sistere (“cause to stand”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with resist
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of resist.
Questions about saying resist
How do you pronounce resist?
Say rih-ZIST. The American pronunciation is /rɪˈzɪst/. In British English it is /rɪˈzɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in resist?
Resist has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (ZIST). Broken into parts: rih · ZIST.
Do Americans and Brits say resist the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /rɪˈzɪst/ and the British form is /rɪˈzɪst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.