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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

resolution

reh-zuh-LOOSHN

Resolution (noun) means a firm decision to do or not do something. Example: “His New Year's resolution was to exercise more.”

noun
1
A firm decision to do or not do something.
"His New Year's resolution was to exercise more."
"She made a resolution to speak up more in meetings."
2
A formal decision or statement agreed on by a group, committee, or assembly.
"The council passed a resolution banning single-use plastics."
3
The level of detail an image or screen can show, often measured in pixels.
"The new monitor supports a much higher resolution."
4
The satisfying settling of a conflict, problem, or story.
"The dispute finally reached a resolution after months of talks."

How to Use Resolution

Learner’s notes
Common pairings
New Year's resolution pass a resolution high resolution reach a resolution

Word Forms

resolutions plural

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Fill the Gap

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His New Year's _____ was to exercise more.

Etymology

Recorded from 1412 as Middle English resolucioun, from Latin resolutio, "a loosening", from resolvere — related to "resolve".

Origin: Latin · First attested 1412

Class of 1412 resolution joined the language around 1412.
See the full Class of 1412 →

Related Words

Rhymes for resolution

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “resolution” mean?

The word “resolution” means a firm decision to do or not do something.

How do you pronounce “resolution”?

“Resolution” is pronounced reh-zuh-LOOSHN (/ˌɹɛzəˈluːʃ(ə)n/ in IPA).

How do you use “resolution” in a sentence?

Here is “resolution” used in a sentence: “His New Year's resolution was to exercise more.”

What part of speech is “resolution”?

“Resolution” is a noun.

Where does the word “resolution” come from?

The word “resolution” dates back to around 1412 and comes from Latin. Recorded from 1412 as Middle English resolucioun, from Latin resolutio, "a loosening", from resolvere — related to "resolve".

Is “resolution” a common word?

“Resolution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “resolution” have?

“Resolution” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a firm decision to do or not do something.

What is the difference between a resolution and a goal?

A goal is the result you want to reach — for example, getting fit. A resolution is the firm decision or commitment to pursue it, the personal promise to act. Resolutions carry a sense of resolve and willpower, while goals name the target. You make a resolution to achieve a goal.

What is a New Year's resolution?

A New Year's resolution is a firm decision made at the start of a year to change a habit or achieve something — such as exercising more, saving money, or quitting smoking. The tradition treats the fresh year as a chance to commit to self-improvement. Many are made with genuine resolve, if not always kept.

What is the difference between resolution and determination?

Determination is the ongoing quality of being firm and persistent — the drive that keeps you going. A resolution is a specific decision you have made, a single firm commitment to do or avoid something. You show determination while carrying out the resolution you set. One is the trait; the other is the choice.

What is an example of a resolution?

Deciding firmly to eat healthier, promising yourself to read more books, or committing to speak more kindly to others are all resolutions. Each is a clear, deliberate choice to do — or stop doing — something. The strength of a resolution lies in the firmness of the decision behind it.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial