ENGLISH
REFERENCE

resolution

n.
US //ˌɹɛzəˈɫuʃən// UK //ɹˌɛzəlˈuːʃən// res·o·lu·tion
  1. 1 a firm decision (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    Despite her initial enthusiasm, her resolution to avoid social media began to waver after only a few days of isolation.
  2. 2 solving a problem (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
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  1. 3 image quality (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The photographer preferred shooting in RAW format to preserve the highest possible resolution for large-scale gallery prints.
    • blurriness
  2. 4 formal statement (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The board of directors drafted a formal resolution to restructure the company's debt before the end of the fiscal year.
  3. 5 story ending (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
  4. 6 musical harmony (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The composer delayed the final resolution to the tonic, creating a sense of yearning that lasted throughout the entire movement.
  5. 7 medical recovery (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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”).

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