26984 words

resolve

10 definitions • 18 examples
1
to solve or end a problem or difficulty:

Examples:

resolve the problem Have you resolved the problem of transport yet?
resolve your differences The couple resolved their differences and made an effort to get along.
2
to make a decision formally or with determination:

Examples:

[ + that ] She resolved that she would never speak to him again.
[ + adv/prep ] After hours of argument, they resolved against taking legal action.
[ + to infinitive ] The company resolved to take no further action against the thieves.
3
If a note or a chord (= group of notes played at the same time) resolves or is resolved, it moves from dissonance (= a strange or unpleasant combination of sounds) to harmony (= a pleasant combination of sounds). :

Examples:

The pianissimo piano chords gradually resolve.
The third of the final chord is then resolved into the fifth.
4

Examples:

weaken/strengthen/test someone's resolve I faced many challenges that week which all served to weaken/strengthen/test my resolve.
5
to solve or end a problem or difficulty:

Examples:

6
to make a determined decision:

Examples:

[ + that clause ] They resolved that they would never argue over money.
[ + to infinitive ] I resolved to run a mile a day.
7

Examples:

The experience increased her resolve to change careers.
8
to solve or end a problem or disagreement:

Examples:

resolve a dispute/problem/conflict Lawyers could not resolve the dispute.
resolve differences Legislators are meeting this week to resolve differences in versions of the budget.
9
to make a decision formally or with determination:

Examples:

resolve to do sth They resolved to build a business for themselves.
resolve that He resolved that total expenditure will rise 3.3% in real terms in the next year.
10

Examples:

weaken/strengthen sb's resolve Successful people use setbacks as an opportunity to strengthen their resolve.
test sb's resolve The last three years have tested our resolve.

Navigation