# resolution

/ˌɹɛzəˈɫuʃən/ (US) · /ɹˌɛzəlˈuːʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/resolution
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. a firm decision

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- My New Year's resolution is to exercise at least three times a week.
- Despite her initial enthusiasm, her resolution to avoid social media began to waver after only a few days of isolation.

### 2. solving a problem

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- This new monitor has a much higher resolution than my old one.
- The photographer preferred shooting in RAW format to preserve the highest possible resolution for large-scale gallery prints.

### 4. formal statement

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The United Nations passed a resolution to provide more aid to the region.
- The board of directors drafted a formal resolution to restructure the company's debt before the end of the fiscal year.

### 5. story ending

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

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

### 6. musical harmony

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The song builds up tension before a beautiful resolution at the end of the chorus.
- The composer delayed the final resolution to the tonic, creating a sense of yearning that lasted throughout the entire movement.

### 7. medical recovery

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The doctor noted the resolution of the infection after a week of antibiotics.
- Complete resolution of the symptoms was observed within forty-eight hours of administering the antiviral treatment.

## Examples

- My New Year's resolution is to exercise every morning.
- The committee passed a formal resolution to increase the budget for local park maintenance next year.
- While the photographer praised the camera's high resolution, the editor noted that the resolution of the underlying conflict in the narrative felt rushed and unearned.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.