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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

obsolete : dissolve, melt

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

: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)

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

: to reach a firm decision about <resolve to get more sleep> <resolve disputed points in a text>

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>

: to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance

: to work out the resolution of (as a play)

intransitive verb

: to become separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis

: to form a resolution : determine

: consult, deliberate

: to progress from dissonance to consonance

— re·solv·able \-ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl- also -ˈzä-və- or -ˈzȯ-və-\ adjective

— re·solv·er noun

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Origin of RESOLVE

Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RESOLVE

Synonyms: choose, conclude, determine, figure, name, opt, decide, settle (on or upon)

Antonyms: join, link, unify, unite

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>.