elastic implies the property of resisting deformation by stretching.
an elastic waistband
resilient implies the ability to recover shape quickly when the deforming force or pressure is removed.
a resilient innersole
springy stresses both the ease with which something yields to pressure and the quickness of its return to original shape.
the cake is done when the top is springy
flexible applies to something which may or may not be resilient or elastic but which can be bent or folded without breaking.
flexible plastic tubing
supple applies to something that can be readily bent, twisted, or folded without any sign of injury.
supple leather
Example Sentences
The tallow tree, an ornamental species introduced by Benjamin Franklin in 1772, can quickly grow to 10 metres and is resilient to many pests.New Scientist, 19-25 Aug. 2006In this affecting and eloquent account of the Dew family members' attempts to come to terms with the homosexuality of the elder son … Stephen emerges as a remarkably resilient and self-aware young man. Genevieve Stuttaford, Publishers Weekly, 18 Apr. 1994Scientists are trying to figure out how the complex structure of such crystals and polymers and their interactions on the molecular level lead to resilient materials like sea shells, teeth and bones. JoAnn Shroyer, Quark, Critters and Chaos, 1993Old roses are tough and resilient; they may be a little loose and blowzy … but the fact remains, these bushes want to live. Beverly Lowry, New York Times Book Review, 3 Dec. 1989Hot-dipped nails have a resilient, thick zinc jacket that withstands more of the perils of a nail's life. Jim Locke, The Apple Corps Guide to the Well-Built House, 1988 The local economy is remarkably resilient. after being dipped in liquid nitrogen, the rubber ball's normally resilient surface is as brittle as ceramic See More
Recent Examples on the WebAnd while the pandemic has messed with sleep schedules, good sleep could help people become more resilient to its effects.Time, 15 Sep. 2022 The Mercury have heard numerous times of how resilient their group is. Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 23 Aug. 2022 Communities will also become more resilient through funding aimed at environmental justice, said Brammeier, helping communities that are suffering from an unfair burden of pollution. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2022 This constant pursuit of efficiency can help any business grow and become more resilient. Ivan Ong, Forbes, 1 Aug. 2022 Formulated with hexapeptide-8, which strengthens our outer skin cells to become more resilient to everyday stressors such as UV, the product was designed to delay the aging process.The Salt Lake Tribune, 15 May 2022 The vaquita porpoise has become more resilient to inbreeding and can avoid harmful genetic mutations, as a result of living in relatively small population sizes, according to the study. Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 10 May 2022 The unexpected twists and turns also help the tomatoes become more resilient. Tatyana Turner, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2022 Lightsmith Group has led a $60 million investment in Brazilian agriculture-technology company Solinftec, marking the private-equity firm’s third bet on a business that helps others become more resilient to climate change. Luis Garcia, WSJ, 2 May 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin resilient-, resiliens, present participle of resilire to jump back, recoil, from re- + salire to leap — more at sally