I. ri-ˈzälv, -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv verb
( re·solved ; re·solv·ing )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. obsolete : 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
resolve 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
resolve doubts
resolve 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 especially in assigned directions
5. : to reach a firm decision about
resolve to get more sleep
resolve 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)
intransitive verb
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
Synonyms: see decide
• re·solv·able -ˈzäl-və-bəl, -ˈzȯl- also -ˈzä-və- or -ˈzȯ-və- adjective
• re·solv·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1591
1. : fixity of purpose : resoluteness
2. : something that is resolved
3. : a legal or official determination ; especially : a formal resolution