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."
"After the holiday, we made a firm resolution to save more money."
2
A formal decision or statement agreed on by a group, committee, or assembly.
"The council passed a resolution banning single-use plastics."
"The committee adopted a resolution to extend the library's opening hours."
"Members voted on the resolution at the end of the annual meeting."
3
The level of detail an image or screen can show, often measured in pixels.
"The new monitor supports a much higher resolution."
"The photo looked blurry because its resolution was too low for printing."
"Check the screen resolution before you buy a television."
4
The satisfying settling of a conflict, problem, or story.
"The dispute finally reached a resolution after months of talks."
"The novel ends with a gentle resolution between the two old friends."
"We hoped for a quick resolution to the problem with the heating."
How to use resolution
Learner’s notes
Easily confused with
Common pairings
New Year's resolution
pass a resolution
high resolution
reach a resolution
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Word forms
- Plural
- resolutions
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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".
Class of 1412
resolution joined the language around 1412.
See the full Class of 1412 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for resolution
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for resolution →
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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