Resolve: meaning, definitions and examples

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resolve

 

[ rɪˈzɒlv ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

decision making

To settle or find a solution to a problem or dispute.

Synonyms

determine, settle, solve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resolve

Use 'resolve' when discussing the act of finding a definite solution or decision in conflicts, disagreements, or problems, often implying a serious or firm determination.

  • They resolved their differences after a long discussion.
  • She resolved to work harder this year.
settle

Use 'settle' when you want to finalize or come to an agreement about something, often used with disputes or arrangements. It can also involve making oneself comfortable in a place.

  • They finally settled the argument about the budget.
  • After traveling for hours, they settled into their new home.
solve

Use 'solve' when dealing with finding an answer to a question, puzzle, or problem, often used in reference to practical or mathematical situations.

  • The detective solved the mystery.
  • Can you solve this math problem?
determine

Use 'determine' when you need to decide something after considering all the facts or possibilities. It often involves a formal or systematic approach.

  • The jury determined that the defendant was guilty.
  • We need to determine the best course of action.

Examples of usage

  • He was determined to resolve the conflict peacefully.
  • She resolved to work harder to achieve her goals.
  • We need to resolve this issue before it escalates further.
Context #2 | Verb

computer science

To convert into a simpler form or expression.

Synonyms

convert, simplify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resolve

Use this word when you need to settle or find a solution to a problem, conflict, or situation.

  • They worked hard to resolve their differences.
  • The team met to resolve the issues that had arisen during the project.
convert

This word is appropriate when you need to change something into a different form, state, or function, such as changing units in measurements or converting file formats.

  • We need to convert these documents to PDF format before sharing them.
  • He converted the measurements from inches to centimeters.
simplify

Use this word when you want to make something less complicated or easier to understand, often by reducing it to its basic elements.

  • The teacher simplified the instructions for the students.
  • We need to simplify this process to make it more efficient.

Examples of usage

  • The algorithm helps to resolve complex equations quickly.
  • We need to resolve the data into a standardized format.
Context #3 | Noun

music

The progression from dissonance to consonance in a musical piece.

Synonyms

conclusion, resolution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resolve

use when indicating the act of finding a solution to a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

  • The mediator helped resolve the conflict between the two parties.
  • We will meet to resolve any outstanding issues.
conclusion

use when referring to the end or final part of something, such as an event, speech, or piece of writing. It can also mean the result or outcome of a process.

  • In conclusion, we need to act immediately to address these issues.
  • The experiment’s conclusion was unexpected.
resolution

use when talking about a formal decision made by a group or organization, or the act of solving a problem or settling a dispute. It can also refer to a firm decision to do or not to do something.

  • The company passed a resolution to improve working conditions.
  • She made a resolution to start exercising more regularly.

Examples of usage

  • The resolve in the final chord brought a sense of closure to the symphony.

Translations

Translations of the word "resolve" in other languages:

🇵🇹 resolver

🇮🇳 सुलझाना

🇩🇪 lösen

🇮🇩 menyelesaikan

🇺🇦 вирішувати

🇵🇱 rozwiązać

🇯🇵 解決する (kaiketsu suru)

🇫🇷 résoudre

🇪🇸 resolver

🇹🇷 çözmek

🇰🇷 해결하다 (haegyeolhada)

🇸🇦 حل (hal)

🇨🇿 vyřešit

🇸🇰 vyriešiť

🇨🇳 解决 (jiějué)

🇸🇮 rešiti

🇮🇸 leysa

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 გადაჭრა (gadach’ra)

🇦🇿 həll etmək

🇲🇽 resolver

Etymology

The word 'resolve' originated from the Latin word 'resolvere', which means 'to loosen, release, or dissolve'. Over time, it evolved to signify finding solutions or making decisions. The concept of resolution is fundamental in various fields, from conflict resolution to computer programming. The term has been used in English language since the 14th century, adapting to different contexts and meanings.

See also: irresolute, irresolvable, resoluteness, resolution, resolvability, resolver, resolving, unresolved.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,084, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.