resolve

[ ri-zolv ]

verb (used with object)

, re·solved, re·solv·ing.

1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something):

   I have resolved that I shall live to the full.

   Synonyms: confirm

2. to separate into constituent or elementary parts; break up; cause or disintegrate (usually followed by into ).

   Synonyms: reduce, analyze

3. to reduce or convert by, or as by, breaking up or disintegration (usually followed by to or into ).
4. to convert or transform by any process (often used reflexively).
5. to reduce by mental analysis (often followed by into ).
6. to settle, determine, or state in a formal vote or formal expression of opinion or intention, as of a deliberative assembly.
7. to deal with (a question, a matter of uncertainty, etc.) conclusively; settle; solve:

   to resolve the question before the board.

8. to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer:

   to resolve any doubts we may have had.

9. Chemistry. to separate (a racemic mixture) into optically active components.
10. Music. to cause (a voice part or the harmony as a whole) to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.
11. Optics. to separate and make visible the individual parts of (an image); distinguish between.
12. Medicine/Medical. to cause (swellings, inflammation, etc.) to disappear without suppuration.

verb (used without object)

, re·solved, re·solv·ing.

1. to come to a determination; make up one's mind; determine (often followed by on or upon ):

   to resolve on a plan of action.

2. to break up or disintegrate.
3. to be reduced or changed by breaking up or otherwise (usually followed by to or into ).
4. Music. to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.

noun

1. a resolution or determination made, as to follow some course of action.

   Synonyms: decision

2. firmness of purpose or intent; determination.

resolve

/ rɪˈzɒlv /

verb

1. takes a clause as object or an infinitive to decide or determine firmly
2. to express (an opinion) formally, esp (of a public meeting) one agreed by a vote
3. also intrusually foll byinto to separate or cause to separate (into) (constituent parts or elements)
4. usually reflexive to change, alter, or appear to change or alter

   the ghost resolved itself into a tree

5. to make up the mind of; cause to decide

   the tempest resolved him to stay at home

6. to find the answer or solution to; solve

   to resolve a problem

7. to explain away or dispel

   to resolve a doubt

8. to bring to an end; conclude

   to resolve an argument

9. med to cause (a swelling or inflammation) to subside, esp without the formation of pus
10. also intr to follow (a dissonant note or chord) or (of a dissonant note or chord) to be followed by one producing a consonance
11. chem to separate (a racemic mixture) into its optically active constituents
12. physics
    1. to distinguish between (separate parts) of (an image) as in a microscope, telescope, or other optical instrument
    2. to separate (two adjacent peaks) in a spectrum by means of a spectrometer
13. maths to split (a vector) into its components in specified directions
14. an obsolete word for dissolve

noun

1. something determined or decided; resolution

   he had made a resolve to work all day

2. firmness of purpose; determination

   nothing can break his resolve

Derived Forms

• reˈsolver, noun

Other Words From

• re·solver noun
• prere·solve verb preresolved preresolving
• unre·solving adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of resolve¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English verb resolven “to alter, loosen, temper,” from Latin resolvere “to unfasten, loosen, release,” equivalent to re- re- + solvere solve

Word History and Origins

Origin of resolve¹

C14: from Latin resolvere to unfasten, reveal, from re- + solvere to loosen; see solve

Example Sentences

In this way, they obtained spatially and temporally finely resolved locations where vultures fed.

From Science Daily

This research may provide valuable insights into geological flows, including hyperspreading of rock avalanches, and could contribute to resolving challenges in this area.

From Science Daily

In just the first three months of the fiscal year, the city is on the hook for more than $47 million to resolve lawsuits and claims for injuries and other incidents on public property.

From Los Angeles Times

When Heather Hoff took a job at Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant, she was skeptical of nuclear energy — so much so that she resolved to report anything questionable to the anti-nuclear group Mothers for Peace.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Dangote has complained of not being allocated as much crude as earlier agreed but even when the price issue is resolved, he will still need to import some crude.

From BBC

Related Words

• boldness
• courage
• firmness
• intention
• steadfastness
• will
• willpower

When To Use

What are other ways to say resolve?

To resolve something is to come to a definite or earnest decision about it. How is it different from decide and determine? Find out on Thesaurus.com.