resolution
B2Neutral; common in formal, academic, technical, and everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A firm decision to do or not to do something.
1. The act of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter. 2. The degree of detail visible in a photographic or video image. 3. The process of reducing or separating something into its components. 4. A formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word bridges abstract concepts (determination, solving disputes) and concrete, technical ones (image clarity, chemical separation). Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In formal/governmental contexts, the process of adopting a 'resolution' is identical.
Connotations
Equally neutral and widely used in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
resolution to + INFresolution on + NPresolution of + NPresolution that + clauseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stick to your resolution”
- “A test of resolution”
- “A man of no resolution”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board passed a resolution to expand into Asian markets.
Academic
The resolution of this paradox remains a key challenge for theorists.
Everyday
My resolution is to go for a walk every day.
Technical
The microscope's resolution allows us to see individual cells clearly.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee will resolution the matter tomorrow.
- The meeting resolved to pass the resolution.
American English
- The council resolved to adopt the resolution.
- The board resolved the issue quickly.
adverb
British English
- He worked resolutely towards his goal.
- The problem was resolvably complex.
American English
- She resolutely refused the offer.
- The issue was resolvably simple.
adjective
British English
- She has a very resolution mindset.
- The document lacked resolutory clauses.
American English
- His approach was resolute and effective.
- They sought a resolutive action.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My New Year's resolution is to eat more fruit.
- The photo has good resolution.
- The United Nations passed a resolution for peace.
- I made a resolution to save money every month.
- The lawyer helped in the resolution of the family dispute.
- A monitor with higher resolution is better for graphic design.
- The treaty's ambiguity prevented a swift resolution to the diplomatic crisis.
- The chromatographic resolution of the compounds was nearly perfect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-SOLUTION: finding a SOLUTION again (to a problem) or renewing your determination.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOLVING A PROBLEM IS UNTYING A KNOT / DETERMINATION IS SOLIDITY OR STRENGTH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'решение' in all contexts. For 'screen resolution,' use 'разрешение'. For 'determination,' consider 'решимость' or 'твердость'.
- Do not confuse with 'revolution' (революция).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'resolution' as a direct synonym for 'promise' (it's a firm *decision*).
- Incorrect preposition: 'resolution for doing' instead of 'resolution to do'.
- Confusing 'resolution' (clarity) with 'definition' (meaning) when talking about images.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'resolution' NOT typically refer to 'determination'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while 'New Year's resolution' is a very common collocation, the word is used year-round in various contexts (e.g., conflict resolution, screen resolution).
A 'resolution' implies a more formal, firm, and often premeditated decision, sometimes made publicly or by a group. A 'decision' is a more general term for any choice.
No, 'resolution' is solely a noun. The related verb is 'resolve' (e.g., 'to resolve a problem').
Look at the context and prepositions. 'Resolution to do something' usually means determination. 'Resolution of a problem' means solution. Technical contexts (TVs, microscopes) refer to clarity/detail.
Collections
Part of a collection
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