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

An engineer's password problem hampered efforts to resolve Bank Holiday airport chaos caused by a flight data fault, a report has said.

From BBC

At the moment, “Conclave” is part of a group, including festival favorites “Anora” and “Emilia Pérez” and the ambitious American Dream saga “The Brutalist,” that have bubbled to the top of a field that, thrillingly, has no front-runner, a situation that might not resolve itself until the Oscars.

From Los Angeles Times

The post continued: “His Grand Immortal Dictator wishes to celebrate our rich and storied culture, fine foods, and musical entertainments by welcoming you to these great demonstrations of power and resolve. And lending voice and song for the first time in six thousand two hundred and forty six days, their work privilege ceremoniously reinstated, will be His Grand Immortal Dictator’s National Band… The Black Parade.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dailey said the team’s turnaround started in practice with a combined resolve to fix what had gone wrong against New Mexico.

From Los Angeles Times

GTR says it gives passengers the opportunity to send in their valid railcards to stop action, adding it had provided details to Molly on how to resolve the court judgement.

From BBC

Related Words

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