resolve
B2Formal and academic, with some technical usage (music, chemistry, optics, law).
Definition
Meaning
To make a firm decision to do something; to find a solution to a problem.
To make something clear or to separate into constituent parts; to cause to reach a formal decision, as in a vote; to decide a legal dispute.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries connotations of determination, finality, and analysis. As a noun, it means firm determination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Minor variation in legal/parliamentary phrasing (e.g., 'resolve that...' vs. 'motion that...').
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties; equally common in technical and academic contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
resolve to do somethingresolve (that) + clauseresolve + objectresolve + object + into + constituent partsresolve itself (into)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to resolve into (e.g., 'The debate resolved into a shouting match')”
- “a man/woman of great resolve”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Frequently used for conflict resolution and problem-solving. 'The board resolved to appoint a new CEO.'
Academic
Common in law, political science, and social sciences. 'The study resolves conflicting theories about the phenomenon.'
Everyday
Used for personal decisions. 'I've resolved to eat more healthily this year.'
Technical
In chemistry/physics: 'to resolve a compound into its elements'; in optics/music: 'the ability to resolve fine detail/pitches.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The committee resolved to adjourn for the day.
- He resolved the technical fault with remarkable speed.
- The image resolved into a clear picture.
American English
- Congress resolved to approve the new budget.
- We need to resolve this billing discrepancy.
- The mixture resolved into two distinct layers.
adverb
British English
- Not a standard adverb form.
American English
- Not a standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- Not a standard adjective form.
American English
- Not a standard adjective form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We must resolve this problem.
- She resolved to be kinder.
- The manager helped resolve the argument between the colleagues.
- He showed great resolve during the difficult project.
- The contract dispute was finally resolved through mediation.
- After much thought, I resolved to change careers entirely.
- The council resolved, by a majority vote, to implement the new policy.
- The telescope can resolve stars that appear as a single point of light to the naked eye.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-SOLVE: Think of 'solving' a problem again (re-) with firm determination to finish it.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE TANGLES (to resolve = to untie); DECISION IS A JOURNEY (to resolve to do something = to set a firm destination).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'rezol'v' or 'разрешить' (which is often 'allow' or 'enable'). 'Resolve' is closer to 'решить' (to decide) for problems or 'принять решение' (to make a firm decision). The noun 'resolve' is like 'решимость' or 'твердость намерения'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'resolve' with 'solve' (resolve is for conflicts/decisions; solve is for puzzles/equations). Incorrect: 'I resolved the maths problem.' Correct: 'I solved the maths problem.' Using 'resolve' in informal contexts where 'decide' or 'sort out' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'resolve' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Solve' is typically used for puzzles, equations, or mysteries (a logical answer). 'Resolve' is used for disputes, conflicts, or personal decisions, implying a final settlement or firm choice.
Yes, as a noun it means firm determination or steadfastness (e.g., 'She tackled the challenge with great resolve').
It is more common in formal, academic, and professional contexts. In everyday conversation, people might use 'sort out', 'fix', or 'decide' instead.
This phrasal verb means to separate into or become something clearly. (e.g., 'The chatter resolved into distinct voices' or 'The substance resolved into a powder.')