resolve

[ri-zolv]

verb (used with object)

resolved, resolving 

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 byinto ).

   Synonyms: reduce, analyze

3. to reduce or convert by, or as by, breaking up or disintegration (usually followed by to orinto ).

4. to convert or transform by any process (often used reflexively).

5. to reduce by mental analysis (often followed byinto ).

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)

resolved, resolving 

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

   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 orinto ).

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. 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

Other Word Forms

• resolver noun
• preresolve verb
• unresolving 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

And there are still major sticking points for both sides to resolve.

From BBC

He dropped his best player, Nico Raskin, from the squad, and took a veritable age to resolve the differences between them.

From BBC

Behind the scenes, he was not happy about that situation, and he and the team held talks to resolve it.

From BBC

"If it's not resolved soon it's easy to see how we might be in third or even fourth place" when it gets to the next election, they add.

From BBC

But when his administrative leave will be resolved remains uncertain.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agree 
• answer 
• clear up 
• conclude 
• deal with 
• decide 
• determine 
• fix 
• iron out 
• propose 
• settle 
• solve 
• undertake 
• work out 

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.