resolve

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /rɪˈzɒlv/ or /riːˈzɒlv/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /rɪˈzɑlv/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form resolve

Third-person singular resolves

Past tense resolved

Past participle resolved

Present participle resolving

1. To resolve means to create a solution for a problem.

   He was able to resolve the argument with his boss by apologizing to her the next day and talking to her about what happened.

   The two countries almost went to war, but they were able to resolve their problems peacefully.

2. To resolve means to make a serious decision to do something.

   The President said: "I resolve to protect our country from terrorists."

Noun

Singular resolve

Plural none

1. If a person has resolve, they have determination. They know what they want and will not let anything keep them from getting it.

   Her resolve to stay on her diet was so strong that she didn't even eat any cake at her own birthday party.

   His resolve to quit smoking disappeared as soon as his friend offered him a cigarette.