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1

resolve

play
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Definition of resolve

resolved

;

resolving
  1. transitive verb

  2. 1 obsolete :  dissolve, melt

  3. 2a :  break up, separate <the prism resolved the light into a play of color>; also :  to change by disintegrationb :  to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements>c :  to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts ofd :  to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components

  4. 3 :  to cause resolution of (a pathological state)

  5. 4a :  to deal with successfully :  clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute>b :  to find an answer toc :  to make clear or understandabled :  to find a mathematical solution ofe :  to split up into two or more components especially in assigned directions <resolve a vector>

  6. 5 :  to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text>

  7. 6a :  to declare or decide by a formal resolution and voteb :  to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee>

  8. 7 :  to make (something, such as one or more voice parts or the total musical harmony) progress from dissonance to consonance

  9. 8 :  to work out the resolution of (something, such as a play)

  10. intransitive verb

  11. 1 :  to become separated into component parts; also :  to become reduced by dissolving or analysis

  12. 2 :  to form a resolution :  determine

  13. 3 :  consult, deliberate

  14. 4 :  to progress from dissonance to consonance

resolvable

play \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl- also -ˈzä-və- or -ˈzȯ-və-\ adjective

resolver

noun

See resolve defined for English-language learners

See resolve defined for kids

Examples of resolve in a sentence

  1. The brothers finally resolved their conflict.

  2. The issue of the book's authorship was never resolved.

  3. His speech did nothing to resolve doubts about the company's future.

  4. They haven't been able to resolve their differences.

  5. She resolved to quit smoking.

  6. He resolved that he would start dating again.

  7. The committee resolved to override the veto.

Origin and Etymology of resolve

Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve


First Known Use: 14th century

resolve Synonyms

Synonyms
choose, conclude, determine, figure, name, opt, decide, settle (on or upon)
Antonyms
join, link, unify, unite
Related Words
decree, rule; cull, elect, handpick, pick, prefer, select, single (out); adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, find, judge, referee, rule (on), umpire; chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull (over), ponder, question, ruminate, study, think (about or over), weigh
Near Antonyms
abstain, decline, refuse, reject, turn down; delay, halt, hesitate, stall, temporize; shilly-shally, vacillate, waffle, waver

Synonym Discussion of resolve

decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy <she decided to sell her house>. determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something <determined the cause of the problem>. settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty <the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy>. rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority <the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible>. resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something <he resolved to quit smoking>.
2

resolve

noun re·solve

Definition of resolve

  1. 1 :  fixity of purpose :  resoluteness

  2. 2 :  something that is resolved

  3. 3 :  a legal or official determination; especially :  a formal resolution

See resolve defined for English-language learners

Examples of resolve in a sentence

  1. His comments were intended to weaken her resolve but they only served to strengthen it.

  2. <a naval pilot who has been unwavering in his resolve to become an astronaut>

1591

First Known Use of resolve

1591

resolve Synonyms

Synonyms
decidedness, decision, decisiveness, determinedness, firmness, granite, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution, determination, stick-to-itiveness
Antonyms
hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation
Related Words
doggedness, obduracy, obdurateness, obstinacy, obstinateness, perseverance, persistence, persistency, stubbornness, tenaciousness, tenacity; certainty, certitude, confidence, sureness; alacrity, eagerness, gameness, readiness; backbone, fortitude, grit, iron, pluck, sand
Near Antonyms
doubt, incertitude, indetermination, uncertainty; aversion, disinclination, indisposition, reluctance, unwillingness

Phrases related to RESOLVE

Related Phrases

RESOLVE Defined for English Language Learners

1

resolve

play
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Definition of resolve for English Language Learners

  • : to find an answer or solution to (something) : to settle or solve (something)

  • : to make a definite and serious decision to do something

  • : to make a formal decision about something usually by a vote

2

resolve

noun re·solve

Definition of resolve for English Language Learners

  • : a strong determination to do something

RESOLVE Defined for Kids

1

resolve

play
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv\

Definition of resolve for Students

resolved

resolving

  1. 1 :  to find an answer to :  solve <They resolved the difficulty.>

  2. 2 :  to reach a firm decision about something <I resolve to work hard.>

  3. 3 :  to decide by a formal resolution and vote

2

resolve

play
noun re·solve

Definition of resolve for Students

  1. :  firmness of purpose :  determination

Medical Dictionary

resolve

play
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Medical Definition of resolve

resolved

;

resolving

  1. 1

  2. transitive verb

    3. :  to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components

  3. 2:  to cause resolution of (as inflammation)

  4. 3:  to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of

  5. 1

  6. intransitive verb

    7. :  to become separated into component parts; also :  to become reduced by dissolving or analysis

  7. 2:  to undergo resolution—used especially of disease or inflammation

resolvable

\-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl- also -ˈzäv-ə- or -ˈzȯv-ə-\play adjective

Law Dictionary

1

resolve

play
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv\

Legal Definition of resolve

resolved

resolving
  1. transitive verb

  2. 1 :  to deal with successfully :  clear up <resolve a dispute>

  3. 2a :  to declare or decide by formal resolution and vote b :  to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee>

  4. intransitive verb

  5. :  to form a resolution

2

resolve

noun re·solve

Legal Definition of resolve

  1. 1 :  something that is resolved

  2. 2 :  a legal or official determination; especially :  a legislative declaration

Learn More about resolve

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for resolve Spanish Central: Translation of resolve Nglish: Translation of resolve for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of resolve for Arabic speakers

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Examples: resolve in a sentence
Tip: Synonym guide