Resolve

/ɹɪˈzɒlv/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive) To find a solution to (a problem)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive) To find a solution to (a problem).
2. (transitive) To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; to make clear or certain; to unravel; to explain.
3. (intransitive) To make a firm decision to do something. To become determined to reach a certain goal or take a certain action.
4. (transitive) To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle.
5. To come to an agreement or make peace; patch up relationship, settle differences, bury the hatchet.
6. (transitive, intransitive, reflexive) To break down into constituent parts; to decompose; to disintegrate; to return to a simpler constitution or a primeval state.
7. To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.
8. (music) To cause a chord to go from dissonance to consonance.

Example Sentences

Exeter. Shall I call in Thambaſſadors my Liege? / King. Not yet my Couſin, til we be reſolude / Of ſome ſerious matters touching vs and France.

to resolve a riddle

Resolve my doubt.

If such a dreamy touch should fall, ⁠O turn thee round, resolve the doubt, ⁠My guardian angel will speak out In that high place, and tell thee all.

I resolve to finish this work before I go home.

At length, one night, when the company by ſome accident broke up much ſooner than ordinary, ſo that the candles were not half burnt out, ſhe was not able to reſiſt the temptation, but reſolved to have them ſome way or other. Accordingly, as ſoon as the hurry was over, and the ſervants, as ſhe thought, all gone to ſleep, ſhe ſtole out of her bed, and went down ſtairs, naked to her ſhift as ſhe was, with a deſign to ſteal them […]

He was resolved by an unexpected event.

Gentlemen, importune me no farther, / For hovv I firmly am reſolu'd you knovv: / That is, not to beſtovv my yongeſt daughter, / Before I haue a husband for the elder: […]

Synonyms for resolve

Antonyms for resolve

Related Words

Word Forms

• resolves
• resolving
• resolved

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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