What does "resolve" mean?

1. (to solve a problem) to find a successful way to deal with a problem or a disagreement. 2. (to decide firmly) to make a very strong and firm decision to do something. 3. (to separate into parts) to break something down into its smaller, basic parts. 4. (to make visible or clear) to show the individual parts of an image clearly, like on a screen or through a lens. 5. (music) to move from a tense or clashing sound to a relaxing, pleasant one. 6. (determination) strong determination to do something even when it is difficult.

resolve

v. · n.

US //ɹiˈzɑɫv// re·solve

1 to solve a problem (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to find a successful way to deal with a problem or a disagreement.

to find a solution to a problem, dispute, or contentious matter. Transitive; requires a direct object.

Example

The two companies hope to resolve their argument without going to court.

Example

The management team met for several hours to resolve the outstanding issues regarding the new employment contracts.
- complicate
- worsen
2 to decide firmly (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to make a very strong and firm decision to do something.

to make a firm decision or formal expression of intent. Often followed by a 'to' infinitive or a 'that' clause.

Example

After the long holiday, she resolved to exercise every morning.

Example

The committee resolved that the project should proceed immediately despite the projected increase in material costs.
- hesitate
- waver

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3 to separate into parts (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Science

to break something down into its smaller, basic parts.

to separate or break down a complex substance, idea, or image into its constituent parts or elements.

Example

The prism resolved the white light into the colors of the rainbow.

Example

The chemical process is designed to resolve the compound into its individual enantiomers for further pharmaceutical testing.
- decompose
- analyze
- break down
- combine
- unite
4 to make visible or clear (v.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

to show the individual parts of an image clearly, like on a screen or through a lens.

to render visible or distinguishable the individual parts of an image or signal.

Example

The new telescope can resolve distant stars that look like a single point of light.

Example

The software must resolve the hostname to an IP address before the connection can be established.
- distinguish
- separate
- blur
5 music (v.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Music

to move from a tense or clashing sound to a relaxing, pleasant one.

to cause a chord or melody to move from a state of dissonance to consonance.

Example

The song sounds beautiful when the final tense note resolves to the main key.

Example

The composer uses a series of suspended chords that eventually resolve into a triumphant major triad.
6 determination (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

strong determination to do something even when it is difficult.

firmness of purpose or intent; unyielding determination. Uncountable in this sense.

Example

The difficult climb tested his resolve to reach the top of the mountain.

Example

The recent setbacks have only strengthened the government's resolve to push forward with the economic reforms.
- indecision
- weakness

Origin

From Middle English resolven, from Old French resolver, a learned borrowing of Latin resolvō (“loosen, thaw, melt, resolve”), equivalent to re- + solve. Piecewise doublet of re-solve.