resolve
Resolve (verb) means to find a satisfactory solution to a problem or disagreement. Example: “They managed to resolve the dispute without going to court.”
How to use resolve
Learner’s notesWord forms
resolved past tense, resolves plural, resolves singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They managed to _____ the dispute without going to court.
Etymology
From Old French resolver, ultimately from Latin resolvere, "to loosen, resolve" — the same root as "solve".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for resolve
See all rhymes for resolve →Frequently asked questions
What does “resolve” mean?
The word “resolve” means to find a satisfactory solution to a problem or disagreement.
How do you pronounce “resolve”?
“Resolve” is pronounced rih-ZOLV (/ɹɪˈzɑlv/ in IPA).
How do you use “resolve” in a sentence?
Here is “resolve” used in a sentence: “They managed to resolve the dispute without going to court.”
What is another word for “resolve”?
Words with a similar meaning to “resolve” include fortitude, inner strength, resoluteness, sticktoitiveness and tenacity.
What part of speech is “resolve”?
Depending on how it is used, “resolve” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “resolve” come from?
The word “resolve” comes from Latin. From Old French resolver, ultimately from Latin resolvere, "to loosen, resolve" — the same root as "solve".
Is “resolve” a common word?
“Resolve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “resolve” have?
“Resolve” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to find a satisfactory solution to a problem or disagreement.
What is the difference between resolve and solve?
Both can mean to find a solution, but solve is used mainly for problems, puzzles, or questions that have a definite answer. Resolve is broader, often used for disputes and disagreements, and it also means to firmly decide to do something.
What is the difference between resolve and decide?
To resolve to do something suggests a firm, determined decision, often reached after careful thought. To decide is more neutral and general, simply meaning to make a choice.
What preposition or structure follows resolve?
When it means to make a firm decision, resolve is followed by to plus a verb, as in resolve to quit, or by a that-clause. When it means to settle something, it takes a direct object, as in resolve the dispute.
What is the difference between resolve as a verb and resolve as a noun?
As a verb, resolve means to settle a problem or to decide firmly to do something. As a noun, resolve means firm determination, as in she showed great resolve.
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