resolving power: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “resolving power” mean?
The ability of an optical instrument, such as a microscope or telescope, to distinguish two separate points as distinct.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of an optical instrument, such as a microscope or telescope, to distinguish two separate points as distinct.
By extension, the capacity of a system, process, or person to clarify, separate, or distinguish fine details or complex components in a given situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and precise. No cultural or evaluative connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to technical/scientific discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “resolving power” in a Sentence
The resolving power of [INSTRUMENT] is [ADJECTIVE].[INSTRUMENT] has a resolving power of [MEASUREMENT].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resolving power” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This lens resolves fine details with remarkable clarity.
- The new software algorithm helps to resolve overlapping signals.
American English
- This lens resolves fine details with remarkable clarity.
- The new software algorithm helps resolve overlapping signals.
adverb
British English
- The points were resolvably distinct under the new microscope.
- The features were not clearly resolvable.
American English
- The points were resolvably distinct under the new microscope.
- The features weren't clearly resolvable.
adjective
British English
- The resolving capability of the instrument is its key specification.
- A high-resolution image sensor is essential.
American English
- The resolving capability of the instrument is its key spec.
- A high-resolution image sensor is essential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially used metaphorically in high-level strategic analysis, e.g., 'The committee lacked the resolving power to disentangle the financial complexities.'
Academic
Standard in physics, astronomy, biology, and engineering texts when discussing microscopy, telescopy, or spectrometry.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to specify the performance of lenses, sensors, radar, and other imaging/detection systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resolving power”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resolving power”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resolving power”
- Using it as a synonym for general 'problem-solving ability'.
- Confusing it with 'magnification' (a high magnification without good resolving power just makes a blurry image bigger).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Magnification makes an image larger, while resolving power is the ability to show fine details as separate. You can have high magnification with poor resolving power, resulting in a large but blurry image.
Yes, but this is a metaphorical extension. It can be applied to radar, radio telescopes, or even abstractly to intellectual analysis, though this is less common.
In optics, it is often measured in angular units (arcseconds) or distance (e.g., lines per millimetre).
No. It is a specialised technical term most often encountered in scientific, engineering, or photography-related contexts.
The ability of an optical instrument, such as a microscope or telescope, to distinguish two separate points as distinct.
Resolving power is usually technical / formal in register.
Resolving power: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈzɒlvɪŋ ˈpaʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈzɑːlvɪŋ ˈpaʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a powerful detective (a *resolver*) who can see two tiny, identical twins as separate individuals. The 'power' to *resolve* (separate) them is the resolving power.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEEING IS DISTINGUISHING / CLARITY IS VISUAL ACUITY
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary factor limiting the resolving power of a conventional optical microscope?