resolve

¹re·solve

verb
\ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\

re·solvedre·solv·ing

Definition of RESOLVE

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

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

— re·solv·er noun

Examples of RESOLVE

1. The brothers finally resolved their conflict.
2. The issue of the book's authorship was never resolved.
3. His speech did nothing to resolve doubts about the company's future.
4. They haven't been able to resolve their differences.
5. She resolved to quit smoking.
6. He resolved that he would start dating again.
7. The committee resolved to override the veto.

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

Related Words: decree, rule; cull, elect, handpick, pick, prefer, select, single (out); adjudge, adjudicate, arbitrate, find, judge, referee, rule (on), umpire; chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, meditate, mull (over), ponder, question, ruminate, study, think (about or over), weigh

Near Antonyms: abstain, decline, refuse, reject, turn down; delay, halt, hesitate, stall, temporize; shilly-shally, vacillate, waffle, waver

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at decide