I. rə̇ˈzälv, rēˈz-, -zȯlv also -zä(u̇)v or -zȯv verb
Etymology: Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, break up, pay back, from re- + solvere to loosen, release, pay — more at solve
transitive verb
1. obsolete : dissolve , melt
O, that this too too solid flesh would melt, thaw, and resolve itself into a dew — Shakespeare
2. : to separate or break up : change or convert by disintegration : reduce by or as if by analysis — used with into or formerly with in
the prism resolved the light into a play of color
winter will resolve the sods into mellow loam
resolving the nation into warring factions
resolve the problem into simple elements
3. : to cause to disintegrate : break into bits or separate into constituent elements
fall plowing allows winter to resolve the clods
as
a. : to perform the operations required and solve (a mathematical equation)
b. : to distinguish between or render independently visible adjacent parts of
resolve the lines of a spectrum
resolve a galaxy into its stars and nebulas
c. : to split up (as a force or velocity) into two or more components especially in assigned directions : find a component of in a given direction usually with the assumption of one other component in a direction at right angles
resolved force AB along AC
d. : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into two components — opposed to racemize
4.
a. : to cause (as inflammation, pain) to dissipate : cause resolution of
b. obsolete
(1) : to make weak or slack : relax
(2) : to cause to become lax (as in conduct)
5.
a. archaic : to free (as a person) from doubt or uncertainty : make certain or assured : inform , convince
b. : to take away (as a doubt or impediment) : clear up : dispel
gradually resolved his doubts
c. : to find an answer to : make clear or certain : solve , unriddle
resolve a problem
6.
a. : to bring oneself or another to (as a course of action) : decide
having resolved his fate
— usually used with a following clause
we resolved that we must part
or infinitive
if you resolve to go
b. : to reach a decision about : settle
determined to resolve all disputed points
7.
a. : to express (as an opinion or determination) by resolution and vote : declare or decide by a formal vote — used with a following clause
the house resolved that no money should be appropriated
or infinitive
resolved to censure the speaker
b. : to change or convert (itself) by resolution or formal vote
the house resolved itself into a committee
8. : to make (as one or more voice parts or the total musical harmony) progress from a dissonance into a consonance
9. : to work out the resolution of (as a play)
intransitive verb
1. archaic : to become fluid : melt , dissolve
2. : to become separated into its component parts or elements : disintegrate ; also : to become reduced by or as if by dissolving or analysis
physiological processes ultimately resolve into the integration of matter and the dissipation of motion — James Ward
3. : to undergo resolution — used especially of a disease or inflammation
4. : to form a purpose or resolution ; especially : to determine after reflection
resolve on a better course of life
5. obsolete
a. : to become of opinion : become convinced
b. : consult , deliberate
6. archaic : to determine to start or leave — used with for
7. : to progress from a dissonance to a consonance — used of a voice part or of the total musical harmony
8. : to become void : lapse
Synonyms: see analyze , decide , solve
II. noun
( -s )
1. : something that has been resolved : resolution
2. : resolute quality : fixity of purpose
3. : a legal or official determination ; especially : a legislative declaration : a formal resolution
4. obsolete : an act of resolving or expounding