resolve

[ ri-zolv ]

/ rɪˈzɒlv /

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See synonyms for: resolve / resolved / resolving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), re·solved, re·solv·ing.

to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full.

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

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

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

to reduce by mental analysis (often followed by into).

to settle, determine, or state in a formal vote or formal expression of opinion or intention, as of a deliberative assembly.

to deal with (a question, a matter of uncertainty, etc.) conclusively; settle; solve: to resolve the question before the board.

to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer: to resolve any doubts we may have had.

Chemistry. to separate (a racemic mixture) into optically active components.

Music. to cause (a voice part or the harmony as a whole) to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.

Optics. to separate and make visible the individual parts of (an image); distinguish between.

Medicine/Medical. to cause (swellings, inflammation, etc.) to disappear without suppuration.

verb (used without object), re·solved, re·solv·ing.

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

to break up or disintegrate.

to be reduced or changed by breaking up or otherwise (usually followed by to or into).

Music. to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.

noun

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

firmness of purpose or intent; determination.

OTHER WORDS FOR resolve

1 confirm.

2 analyze, reduce.

17 decision.

See synonyms for resolve on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of resolve

1325–75; Middle English resolven (v.) <Latin resolvere to unfasten, loosen, release, equivalent to re-re- + solvere to loosen; see solve

OTHER WORDS FROM resolve

re·solv·er, nounpre·re·solve, verb, pre·re·solved, pre·re·solv·ing.un·re·solv·ing, adjective

Words nearby resolve

resolutely, resolution, resolutioner, resolutive, resolvable, resolve, resolved, resolvent, resolving power, resonance, resonance radiation

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

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.

How to use resolve in a sentence

Despite our resolve to achieve zero hunger by 2030, the sad truth is that hunger has been rising over the past several years, and there is no end in sight.
Our Nobel Peace Prize win is an honor and a tragedy|jakemeth|October 25, 2020|Fortune
Now is the time to strengthen your resolve and re-devote yourself to prevention measures.
Sick Of COVID-19? Here’s Why You Might Have Pandemic Fatigue|LGBTQ-Editor|October 24, 2020|No Straight News
PE teachers called us lovers to mock our resolve, but the engineer was a brother to me.
Fiction: Quiet earth philosophy|Katie McLean|October 21, 2020|MIT Technology Review
Demand for Cisco’s Webex video collaboration tool soared, requiring resolve on the part of frontline Cisconians and executives alike.
How the World’s Best Workplaces have led the way in a year unlike any other|lbelanger225|October 13, 2020|Fortune

I’m enjoying it too much to realize my mother’s and my resolve for a small Chuseok meal have been compromised.
The Meaning of Chuseok During a Pandemic Year|Nina Yun|October 9, 2020|Eater
They were born in 51 countries and speak 59 foreign languages, but they seemed bound by a single purpose and resolve.
Cop Families Boo De Blasio at NYPD Graduation|Michael Daly|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There is the will of the people; the resolve of the political class; the courage of the media; and the authority of the courts.
The U.S. Will Torture Again—and We’re All to Blame|Michael Tomasky|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The city may have learned something about resolve in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
From Ebola Country to NYC’s Subways|Michael Daly|October 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Modi has ordered his army commanders to strike back hard at the Line of Control to demonstrate Indian resolve.
ICYMI: India-Pakistan Head for Nuke War|Bruce Riedel|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I ask them how can they resolve that with what they are doing.
Our Trip to The Climate War's Ground Zero|Darren Aronofsky|September 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was something strange in my brother's resolve to leave Six Stars and try his fortunes in the city.
The Soldier of the Valley|Nelson Lloyd
If any weakening of resolve were in himself, it disappeared long before Tony's arrival on the scene.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
But her resolve melted when she saw him before designing Providence had led him into her path.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories|Kate Chopin
His brow was calm, but his mouth closely compressed, as if to sustain some firm resolve.
Madame Roland, Makers of History|John S. C. Abbott
Daniel went in, and desired of the king, that he would give him time to resolve the question, and declare it to the king.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various

British Dictionary definitions for resolve

resolve

/ (rɪˈzɒlv) /

verb (mainly tr)

(takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to decide or determine firmly

to express (an opinion) formally, esp (of a public meeting) one agreed by a vote

(also intr usually foll by into) to separate or cause to separate (into) (constituent parts or elements)

(usually reflexive) to change, alter, or appear to change or alterthe ghost resolved itself into a tree

to make up the mind of; cause to decidethe tempest resolved him to stay at home

to find the answer or solution to; solveto resolve a problem

to explain away or dispelto resolve a doubt

to bring to an end; concludeto resolve an argument

med to cause (a swelling or inflammation) to subside, esp without the formation of pus

(also intr) to follow (a dissonant note or chord) or (of a dissonant note or chord) to be followed by one producing a consonance

chem to separate (a racemic mixture) into its optically active constituents

physics

to distinguish between (separate parts) of (an image) as in a microscope, telescope, or other optical instrument
to separate (two adjacent peaks) in a spectrum by means of a spectrometer

maths to split (a vector) into its components in specified directions

an obsolete word for dissolve

noun

something determined or decided; resolutionhe had made a resolve to work all day

firmness of purpose; determinationnothing can break his resolve

Derived forms of resolve

resolver, noun

Word Origin for resolve

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for resolve

resolve

[ rĭ-zŏlv′ ]

To cause resolution of an abnormal condition.

To separate an optically inactive compound or mixture into its optically active constituents.

To render parts of an image visible and distinct.

resolve

OTHER WORDS FOR resolve

Origin of resolve

OTHER WORDS FROM resolve

Words nearby resolve

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say resolve?

Words related to resolve

How to use resolve in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for resolve

Derived forms of resolve

Word Origin for resolve

Medical definitions for resolve