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 verb1obsolete : dissolve, melt2 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 components3: 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 directions5: 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 consonance8: to work out the resolution of (as a play)intransitive verb1: to become separated into component parts ; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis2: to form a resolution : determine3: consult, deliberate4: 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