[re.solve] vb re.solved ; re.solv.ing [ME, fr. L resolvere to unloose, dissolve, fr. re- + solvere to loosen, release--more at solve] vt (14c) 1 obs: dissolve, melt
2. a: break up, separate "the prism resolved the light into a play of color"; also: to change by disintegration b: to reduce by analysis "~ the problem into simple elements" c: to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of d: to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components
3: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)
4. a: to deal with successfully: clear up "~ doubts" "~ a dispute" b: to find an answer to c: to make clear or understandable d: to find a mathematical solution of e: to split up (as a vector) into two or more components esp. in assigned directions
5: to reach a firm decision about "~ to get more sleep" "~ disputed points in a text"
6. a: to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote b: to change by resolution or formal vote "the house resolved itself into a committee" 7: to make (as voice parts) progress from dissonance to consonance 8: to work out the resolution of (as a play) ~ vi 1: to become separated into component parts; also: to become reduced by dissolving or analysis
2: to form a resolution: determine
3: consult, deliberate
4: to progress from dissonance to consonance syn see decide -- re.solv.able adj -- re.solv.er n
[2]resolve n (1591) 1: fixity of purpose: resoluteness
2: something that is resolved
3: a legal or official determination; esp: a formal resolution