ENGLISH
REFERENCE

resolve

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɹiˈzɑɫv// re·solve Academic Archaic General-service

n. a strong feeling of being sure about a decision. It is the mental strength you have when you refuse to give up on a difficult goal.

n. firmness of purpose or a determined internal resolution to adhere to a course of action. Often used in contexts involving moral or physical endurance.


SIMPLE

The difficult climb tested her resolve to reach the top.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the initial setbacks and lack of funding, the team's resolve to finish the project never wavered.

COMPLEX

The leader's quiet resolve in the face of mounting political pressure served to steady the nerves of the entire administration during the crisis.

Synonyms
Antonyms
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.

Usage

Typically functions as an uncountable noun; often preceded by possessive adjectives like 'his', 'her', or 'their'.

© 2026 English Reference