resolute
Americanadjective
-
firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion.
Her parents wanted her to marry, but she was focused on her education and remained resolute.
-
characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc..
The mayor was asked to take resolute action against the looters.
- Synonyms:
- undaunted
adjective
-
firm in purpose or belief; steadfast
-
characterized by resolution; determined
a resolute answer
Related Words
See earnest 1.
Other Word Forms
- overresolute adjective
- overresoluteness noun
- resolutely adverb
- resoluteness noun
- semiresolute adjective
- semiresoluteness noun
- unresolute adjective
- unresoluteness noun
Etymology
Origin of resolute
First recorded in 1375–1425 for earlier sense “dissolved”; 1525–35 for current senses; late Middle English, from Latin resolūtus, past participle of the verb resolvere resolve
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Regardless, Operation Desert Storm was a decisive victory, in part thanks to resolute and thoughtful leaders such as Mr. Hertling.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
"In 20 years, and despite the resolute efforts of our police officers, gendarmes, judges, teachers and elected officials, the antisemitic hydra has kept advancing," he said.
From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026
Let’s hope that we can knock over that house of cards with peace walks and other forms of calm, resolute resistance.
From Salon • Feb. 13, 2026
The tone was matter-of-fact, direct, resolute, but moments of fear crept in.
From Slate • Feb. 11, 2026
What had begun as a joke between them had become a resolute ceremony fraught with competition and even with something deeper, something almost mythological that separated them.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
