What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
persistence
Example
Her persistence in pursuing her dreams paid off in the end. [persistence: noun]
Example
He persisted in his efforts to learn a new language, despite struggling at first. [persisted: verb]
resilience
Example
The team showed great resilience in coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win the game. [resilience: noun]
Example
She was able to bounce back from her injury and return to her sport with even more determination. [bounce back: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Persistence is more commonly used than resilience in everyday language, as it is a more specific and goal-oriented term. However, resilience is becoming increasingly popular in discussions of mental health and personal growth.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between persistence and resilience?
Both persistence and resilience are relatively formal terms, but they can be used in a variety of contexts, from academic writing to personal development discussions.
