English Reference
noun

resolution

n.
US /ˌɹɛzəˈɫuʃən/ UK /ɹˌɛzəlˈuːʃən/ res·o·lu·tion UK spelling resolutions

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    a firm promise to yourself to do or not do something.

    a firm expression of intent or a personal vow to pursue a specific course of action.

    Simple

    My New Year's resolution is to exercise at least three times a week.

    In context

    Despite her initial enthusiasm, her resolution to avoid social media began to waver after only a few days of isolation.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of finding an answer or solution to a conflict or problem.

    the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

    Simple

    The two companies are working toward a peaceful resolution of their disagreement.

    In context

    The mediator played a crucial role in the resolution of the strike, ensuring that both the union and management felt their primary concerns were addressed.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Computing

    how clear and detailed an image looks on a screen or in a photo.

    the degree of detail visible in an image, typically measured by the number of pixels per unit of area.

    Simple

    This new monitor has a much higher resolution than my old one.

    In context

    The photographer preferred shooting in RAW format to preserve the highest possible resolution for large-scale gallery prints.

    blurriness
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    a formal decision made by a group or a government after a vote.

    a formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body or public assembly.

    Simple

    The United Nations passed a resolution to provide more aid to the region.

    In context

    The board of directors drafted a formal resolution to restructure the company's debt before the end of the fiscal year.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Theatre

    the part of a story where the problems are finally solved.

    the final part of a literary or dramatic plot in which the strands of the narrative are drawn together and matters are explained.

    Simple

    The movie's resolution was disappointing because it didn't explain what happened to the hero.

    In context

    Critics argued that the novel's resolution felt rushed, failing to provide a satisfying conclusion to the complex interpersonal conflicts established in the first act.

    denouementconclusion
  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    the move from a tense, clashing sound to a pleasant, stable one.

    the progression of a dissonant tone or chord to a consonant one.

    Simple

    The song builds up tension before a beautiful resolution at the end of the chorus.

    In context

    The composer delayed the final resolution to the tonic, creating a sense of yearning that lasted throughout the entire movement.

  7. 07 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the stage where a person starts to get better as a disease leaves the body.

    the disappearance of inflammation or the return of a part to its normal state after a disease process.

    Simple

    The doctor noted the resolution of the infection after a week of antibiotics.

    In context

    Complete resolution of the symptoms was observed within forty-eight hours of administering the antiviral treatment.

Usage successful resolution · temporal resolution

The 63-year-old said the decision came after the board of Tata Sons could not reach a resolution on a five-year extension of his term, months after the proposal first came up.

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026

The smallest ones scientists could spot sat right at the 19-kilometer resolution limit, which means we don’t know how far down in size they go.

Ars Technica· 7 Aug 2026

Recorded since 1412, as Middle English resolucioun (“dissolution”), either from Anglo-Norman resolucion or directly from Latin resolūtiō (“a loosening, solution”), from resolvō (“to loosen”), itself from the intensive prefix re- + solvō (“to loosen”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin resolūtiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated