resolve

UK: /rɪˈzɒlv/ US: /rɪˈzɑlv/ ,(ri zolv′)

Inflections of 'resolve' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

resolves

v 3rd person singular

resolving

v pres p

resolved

v past

resolved

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•solve /rɪˈzɑlv/   v., -solved, -solv•ing, n. 
v. 

1. to make a resolution: [~ + to + verb]
   I resolved to keep my mouth shut.
   [~ + that clause]
   resolved that she would work harder.
2. to separate into parts:
   [~ + object + into + object] to resolve a force into its parts.
3. to state in a formal resolution:
   [~ + that clause] It was resolved that the committee recommend her promotion.
4. to settle or solve (a question, dispute, etc.):
   [~ + object] Can we resolve the problem by having another judge look over the case and make a decision?

n. 

5. a resolution made:
   [countable] a firm resolve to avoid controversy.
6. firmness of purpose;
   determination:
   [uncountable] She carried on the job with much resolve.

re•solv•a•ble, adj. See -solv-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

re•solve  (ri zolv′), v., -solved, -solv•ing, n. 
v.t. 

1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about;
   determine (to do something):
   I have resolved that I shall live to the full.
2. to separate into constituent or elementary parts;
   break up;
   cause or disintegrate (usually fol. by into).
3. to reduce or convert by, or as by, breaking up or disintegration (usually fol. by to or into).
4. to convert or transform by any process (often used reflexively).
5. to reduce by mental analysis (often fol. by into).
6. to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution, 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 and Dance 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 to cause (swellings, inflammation, etc.) to disappear without suppuration.

v.i. 

13. to come to a determination;
    make up one's mind;
    determine (often fol. by on or upon):
    to resolve on a plan of action.
14. to break up or disintegrate.
15. to be reduced or changed by breaking up or otherwise (usually fol. by to or into).
16. Music and Dance to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.

n. 

17. a resolution or determination made, as to follow some course of action.
18. firmness of purpose or intent;
    determination.

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

re•solv′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. confirm. See decide. 
• 2. analyze, reduce.
• 17, 18. decision.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

resolve / rɪˈzɒlv/ verb (mainly tr)

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. (also intr) usually followed by into: 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
7. to explain away or dispel: to resolve a doubt
8. to bring to an end; conclude: to resolve an argument
9. 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. to distinguish between (separate parts) of (an image) as in a microscope, telescope, or other optical instrument
12. 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 her resolve

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin resolvere to unfasten, reveal, from re- + solvere to loosen; see solve

reˈsolver noun