First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1resolve
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\
: to find an answer or solution to (something) : to settle or solve (something)
: to make a definite and serious decision to do something
: to make a formal decision about something usually by a vote
re·solvedre·solv·ing
Full Definition of RESOLVE
transitive verb
2
a : break up, separate <the prism resolved the light into a play of color>; also : to change by disintegration b : to reduce by analysis <resolve the problem into simple elements> c : to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of d : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components
3
: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)
4
a : to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve doubts> <resolve a dispute> b : to find an answer to c : to make clear or understandable d : to find a mathematical solution of e : to split up (as a vector) into two or more components especially in assigned directions
5
: to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text>
6
a : to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote b : to change by resolution or formal vote <the house resolved itself into a committee>
7
: to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance
8
: to work out the resolution of (as a play)
intransitive verb
1
: to become separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis
2
: to form a resolution : determine
3
4
: to progress from dissonance to consonance
— re·solv·able \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl- also -ˈzä-və- or -ˈzȯ-və-\ adjective
— re·solv·er noun
See resolve defined for English-language learners
See resolve defined for kids
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Origin of RESOLVE
Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve
Related to RESOLVE
Synonym Discussion of RESOLVE
decide, determine, settle, rule, resolve mean to come or cause to come to a conclusion. decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy <she decided to sell her house>. determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something <determined the cause of the problem>. settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty <the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy>. rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority <the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible>. resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something <he resolved to quit smoking>.
2resolve
noun
: a strong determination to do something
Full Definition of RESOLVE
1
: fixity of purpose : resoluteness
2
: something that is resolved
3
: a legal or official determination; especially : a formal resolution
See resolve defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RESOLVE
1591
Related to RESOLVE
RESOLVING Defined for Kids
1resolve
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv\
re·solvedre·solv·ing
Definition of RESOLVE for Kids
1
: to find an answer to : solve <They resolved the difficulty.>
2
: to reach a firm decision about something <I resolve to work hard.>
3
: to decide by a formal resolution and vote
2resolve
noun
Definition of RESOLVE for Kids
: firmness of purpose : determination
Medical Dictionary
resolve
verb re·solve \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\
re·solvedre·solv·ing
Medical Definition of RESOLVE
transitive verb
1
: to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components
2
: to cause resolution of (as inflammation)
3
: to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of
intransitive verb
1
: to become separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis
2
: to undergo resolution—used especially of disease or inflammation
—re·solv·able \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl- also -ˈzäv-ə- or -ˈzȯv-ə-\ adjective
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