resolute

1 of 2

adjective

res·​o·​lute ˈre-zə-ˌlüt 

-lət

1

: marked by firm determination : resolved

a resolute character

2

: bold, steady

a resolute gaze

resolutely

ˈre-zə-ˌlüt-lē 

-lət-;

ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-

adverb

resoluteness

ˈre-zə-ˌlüt-nəs 

-lət-, 

ˌre-zə-ˈlüt-

noun

resolute

2 of 2

noun

: a resolute person

Did you know?

Resolve to Define Resolute

Resolute comes from the same Latin verb as resolved, and the two words are often synonyms. So how did it get this meaning from the Latin? Essentially, when you resolve a question or problem, you come to a conclusion, and once you've reached a conclusion you can proceed to act. So in your New Year's resolutions, you resolve—or make up your mind—to do something. Unfortunately, New Year's resolutions aren't a good illustration of the meaning of resolute, since only about one in ten actually seems to succeed.

Synonyms of resolute

Adjective

• determined
• intent
• decisive
• confident
• positive
• firm

Choose the Right Synonym for resolute

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance.

faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted.

faithful to her promise

loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray.

remained loyal to the czar

constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows.

constant friends

staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it.

a staunch defender of free speech

steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction.

steadfast in their support

resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose.

a resolute ally

Examples of resolute in a Sentence

Adjective

She is a resolute competitor.

He has remained resolute in his opposition to the bill.

a leader with a stern and resolute manner

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

For the roughly 4 in 10 people who are resolute in finding a new job this year, Salemi advises being more intentional and strategic in your search to use the smaller pool of competition to your advantage. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026

The new portrait shows Trump standing over the resolute desk with his fists on it, looking into the camera in a black-and-white photo. —Jared Gans, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2026

Your productive 6th house and your resolute 12th house are both impacted by the vibrant Sun opposing wise Jupiter. —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026

As residents dig out from the handful of big snowstorms every year, there is a feeling of camaraderie and a resolute desire to look out for one another. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin resolutus, past participle of resolvere

First Known Use

Adjective

1522, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for resolute

• absolute
• arrowroot
• attribute
• bitterroot
• constitute
• convolute
• destitute
• disrepute
• dissolute
• execute
• institute
• involute

Kids Definition

resolute

adjective

res·​o·​lute

ˈrez-ə-ˌlüt

1

: marked by firm determination

a resolute character

2

: steady entry 1

a resolute gaze

resolutely adverb

resoluteness noun