resolve

/rəˈzɑlv/

/rɪˈzɑlv/

Other forms: resolved; resolving; resolves

To resolve is to settle or make a decision about something — often formal. A college's board of directors might resolve to recruit more minority students. As a noun, resolve refers to a strong determination to do something.

If you make a New Year's resolution to exercise every day, you'll need plenty of resolve to stick with your program. The verb descends from Middle English resolven "to dissolve," from Latin resolvere "to untie." In English, the obsolete sense of "to dissolve" can be seen in this line from Shakespeare: "O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew."

Definitions of resolve

1. verb

   find the solution
   synonyms: solve

   types:

   factorise, factorize

   resolve (a polynomial) into factors

   type of:

   calculate, cipher, compute, cypher, figure, reckon, work out

   make a mathematical calculation or computation
2. verb

   reach a decision
   “he resolved never to drink again”

   synonyms: purpose

   type of:

   decide, determine, make up one's mind

   reach, make, or come to a decision about something
3. verb

   reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation
   synonyms: conclude

   types:

   determine, settle, square off, square up

   settle conclusively; come to terms

   clear, solve

   settle, as of a debt

   concert

   settle by agreement

   clinch

   settle conclusively

   compromise

   settle by concession

   type of:

   agree, concord, concur, hold

   be in accord; be in agreement
4. verb

   bring to an end; settle conclusively
   synonyms: adjudicate, decide, dispose, settle

   types:

   judge

   determine the result of (a competition)

   adjust

   decide how much is to be paid on an insurance claim

   referee, umpire

   be a referee or umpire in a sports competition

   type of:

   end, terminate

   bring to an end or halt
5. verb

   cause to go into a solution
   synonyms: break up, dissolve

   types:

   melt, melt down, run

   reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating

   cut

   dissolve by breaking down the fat of

   fuse

   make liquid or plastic by heating

   render, try

   melt (fat or lard) in order to separate out impurities

   type of:

   change integrity

   change in physical make-up
6. noun

   the trait of being resolute
   synonyms: firmness, firmness of purpose, resoluteness, resolution

   types:

   possession, self-command, self-control, self-possession, self-will, will power, willpower

   the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior

   steadiness

   freedom from wavering or indecision; constancy of resolve or conduct

   sturdiness

   resoluteness evidenced by strength of character

   stiffness

   firm resoluteness in purpose or opinion or action

   bullheadedness, obstinacy, obstinance, pigheadedness, self-will, stubbornness

   resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires

   single-mindedness

   characterized by one unified purpose

   adamance, obduracy, unyieldingness

   resoluteness by virtue of being unyielding and inflexible

   decision, decisiveness

   the trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose

   determination, purpose

   the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose

   steadfastness

   steadfast resolution

   nerves

   control of your emotions

   presence of mind

   self-control in a crisis; ability to say or do the right thing in an emergency

   impenitence, impenitency

   the trait of refusing to repent

   intransigence, intransigency

   the trait of being intransigent; stubbornly refusing to compromise

   doggedness, perseverance, persistence, persistency, pertinacity, tenaciousness, tenacity

   persistent determination

   indefatigability, indefatigableness, tirelessness

   tireless determination

   diligence, industriousness, industry

   persevering determination to perform a task

   type of:

   trait

   a distinguishing feature of your personal nature
7. noun

   a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
   synonyms: declaration, resolution

   examples:

   Declaration of Independence

   the document recording the proclamation of the second Continental Congress (4 July 1776) asserting the independence of the Colonies from Great Britain

   types:

   joint resolution

   a resolution passed by both houses of Congress which becomes legally binding when signed by the Chief Executive (or passed over the Chief Executive's veto)

   type of:

   document, papers, written document

   writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
8. verb

   make clearly visible
   “can this image be resolved?”

   type of:

   discern, distinguish, make out, pick out, recognise, recognize, spot, tell apart

   perceive, recognize, or detect with the senses
9. verb

   understand the meaning of
   synonyms: answer

   type of:

   figure out, lick, puzzle out, solve, work, work out

   find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of