resolve
rih-ZOLV
Resolve (verb) means to find a satisfactory solution to a problem or disagreement. Example: “The two neighbours met to resolve their argument over the fence.”
verb
1
To find a satisfactory solution to a problem or disagreement.
"The two neighbours met to resolve their argument over the fence."
"They managed to resolve the dispute without going to court."
"IT resolved the login issue within an hour."
2
To firmly decide to do something.
"He resolved never to be late for work again."
"We resolved to save a little money every month."
"She resolved to learn a new language this year."
noun
1
Firm determination or willpower.
"Her resolve grew stronger with every kilometre she ran."
"The team showed great resolve after losing the first match."
"His resolve never wavered, even under pressure."
How to use resolve
Learner’s notes
Common pairings
resolve a conflict
resolve to do something
steely resolve
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Word forms
- Plural
- resolves
- Third person singular
- resolves
- Past tense
- resolved
Fill the gap
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The two neighbours met to _____ their argument over the fence.
Etymology
From Old French resolver, ultimately from Latin resolvere, "to loosen, resolve" — the same root as "solve".
Synonyms
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settle
sort out
clear up
work out
determine
decide
adjudicate
resoluteness
declaration
firmness
resolution
fortitude
Antonyms
Related words
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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