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resolve

 - 7 dictionary results

re⋅solve

  [ri-zolv] verb, -solved, -solv⋅ing, noun
Use resolve in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full.
2. to separate into constituent or elementary parts; break up; cause or disintegrate (usually fol. by into).
3. to reduce or convert by, or as by, breaking up or disintegration (usually fol. by to or into).
4. to convert or transform by any process (often used reflexively).
5. to reduce by mental analysis (often fol. by into).
6. to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution, as of a deliberative assembly.
7. to deal with (a question, a matter of uncertainty, etc.) conclusively; settle; solve: to resolve the question before the board.
8. to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer: to resolve any doubts we may have had.
9. Chemistry. to separate (a racemic mixture) into optically active components.
10. Music. to cause (a voice part or the harmony as a whole) to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.
11. Optics. to separate and make visible the individual parts of (an image); distinguish between.
12. Medicine/Medical. to cause (swellings, inflammation, etc.) to disappear without suppuration.
–verb (used without object)
13. to come to a determination; make up one's mind; determine (often fol. by on or upon): to resolve on a plan of action.
14. to break up or disintegrate.
15. to be reduced or changed by breaking up or otherwise (usually fol. by to or into).
16. Music. to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.
–noun
17. a resolution or determination made, as to follow some course of action.
18. firmness of purpose or intent; determination.
Origin:
1325–75; ME resolven (v.) < L resolvere to unfasten, loosen, release, equiv. to re- re- + solvere to loosen; see solve

Related forms:
re⋅solv⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
1. confirm. See decide. 2. analyze, reduce. 17, 18. decision.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To resolve
re·solve   (rĭ-zŏlv')   
v.   re·solved, re·solv·ing, re·solves

v.   tr.

  1. To make a firm decision about.

  2. To cause (a person) to reach a decision. See Synonyms at decide.

  3. To decide or express by formal vote.

  4. To change or convert: My resentment resolved itself into resignation.

  5. To find a solution to; solve. See Synonyms at solve.

  6. To remove or dispel (doubts).

  7. To bring to a usually successful conclusion: resolve a conflict.

  8. Medicine To cause reduction of (an inflammation, for example).

  9. Music To cause (a tone or chord) to progress from dissonance to consonance.

  10. Chemistry To separate (an optically inactive compound or mixture) into its optically active constituents.

  11. To render parts of (an image) visible and distinct.

  12. Mathematics To separate (a vector, for example) into coordinate components.

  13. To melt or dissolve (something).

  14. Archaic To separate (something) into constituent parts.

v.   intr.

  1. To reach a decision or make a determination: resolve on a course of action.

  2. To become separated or reduced to constituents.

  3. Music To undergo resolution.

n.  

  1. Firmness of purpose; resolution.

  2. A determination or decision; a fixed purpose.

  3. A formal resolution made by a deliberative body.


[Middle English resolven, to dissolve, from Old French resolver, from Latin resolvere, to untie : re-, re- + solvere, to untie; see leu- in Indo-European roots.]
re·solv'a·bil'i·ty, re·solv'a·ble·ness n., re·solv'a·ble adj., re·solv'ed·ly (-zŏl'vĭd-lē) adv., re·solv'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

resolve  (v.)
c.1374, from L. resolvere "to loosen, undo, settle," from re-, intensive prefix, + solvere "loosen" (see solve). Same sense evolution as in resolution. The noun meaning "determination" is first recorded 1592.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: re·solve
Pronunciation: ri-'zälv
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: re·solved; re·solv·ing
transitive verb 1 : to deal with successfully : clear up <resolve a dispute>
2 a : to declare or decide by formal resolution and vote b : to change by resolution or formal vote resolved itself into a committee> intransitive verb : to form a resolution

Main Entry: resolve
Function: noun
1 : something that is resolved
2 : a legal or official determination; especially : a legislative declaration
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: re·solve
Pronunciation: ri-'zälv, -'zolv also -'zäv or -'zov
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: re·solved;re·solv·ing
Function: transitive verb
1 : to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components
2 : to causeresolution of (as inflammation)
3 : to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of resolve intransitive senses
1 : tobecome separated into component parts; also : to become reduced by dissolving or analysis
2 : to undergo resolution —used especially of disease orinflammation —re·solv·able /-'zäl-v&-b&l, -'zol- also -'zäv-&- or -'zov-&-/ adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

resolve re·solve (rĭ-zŏlv')
v. re·solved, re·solv·ing, re·solves

  1. To cause resolution of an abnormal condition.

  2. To separate an optically inactive compound or mixture into its optically active constituents.

  3. To render parts of an image visible and distinct.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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