resolve (rɪˈzɒlv
)
Definitions
verb (mainly tr)
- (takes a clause as object or an infinitive) to decide or determine firmly
- to express (an opinion) formally, esp (of a public meeting) one agreed by a vote
- (also intr) into to separate or cause to separate (into) (constituent parts or elements)
- (usually reflexive) to change, alter, or appear to change or alter ⇒
the ghost resolved itself into a tree
- to make up the mind of; cause to decide ⇒
the tempest resolved him to stay at home
- to find the answer or solution to; solve ⇒
to resolve a problem
- to explain away or dispel ⇒
to resolve a doubt
- to bring to an end; conclude ⇒
to resolve an argument
- medicine to cause (a swelling or inflammation) to subside, esp without the formation of pus
- (also intr) to follow (a dissonant note or chord) or (of a dissonant note or chord) to be followed by one producing a consonance
- chemistry to separate (a racemic mixture) into its optically active constituents
- physics
- to distinguish between (separate parts) of (an image) as in a microscope, telescope, or other optical instrument
- to separate (two adjacent peaks) in a spectrum by means of a spectrometer
- mathematics to split (a vector) into its components in specified directions
- an obsolete word for dissolve
noun
- something determined or decided; resolution ⇒
he had made a resolve to work all day
- firmness of purpose; determination ⇒
nothing can break his resolve
Alternative Forms
reˈsolver nounWord Origin
C14: from Latin resolvere to unfasten, reveal, from re- + solvere to loosen; see solveSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
decide,
determine,
undertake,
make up your mind
agree,
design,
settle,
purpose,
intend,
fix,
conclude,
Usage examples
That has grave implications for us, inherent dangers that we have to resolve.
, A Song at Twilight (1989)That is why we have a manifesto commitment to enable Parliament to resolve the issue.
Country Life (2004)The notices ordered immediate remedial work to resolve pollution problems.
Irish Times (2002)Allen key: Woody Allen has tried to resolve his legal row with former producer Jean Doumanian.
Glasgow Herald (2001)Her husband, who could not bear the sound, would leap out of bed and rush to resolve it into a perfect triad.
, COUNTING SHEEP: The Science and Pleasures of Sleep and Dreams (2002)