Main Entry: ¹re·solve

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): re·solved; re·solv·ing

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

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 obsolete : dissolve, melt
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 : consult, deliberate
4 : to progress from dissonance to consonance

synonyms see decide

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

— re·solv·er noun