resolve
/rɪˈzɒlv/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈzɑːlv/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈzälv -ˈzȯlv also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv/ (ame, mw)
resolve — verb
- resolvepresent simple I / you / we / they
- resolveshe / she / it
- resolvedpast simple
- resolving-ing form
1. to find a successful way of dealing with a problem, disagreement, or difficult s
to find a successful way of dealing with a problem, disagreement, or difficult situation so that it no longer causes trouble
After months of talks, the two countries finally resolved their border dispute.
resolve a dispute / a conflict / a problem
Eli resolved his disagreement with the landlord by offering to pay the rent early.
resolve + by + gerund phrase
The technician resolved the computer issue by simply restarting the system.
A written apology helped resolve the misunderstanding between the two coworkers.
There was no easy way to resolve the conflict between the two departments.
- settle
more final and legal — settle a lawsuit, settle a debt
- sort out
informal; used in everyday British English for minor problems
- straighten out
informal; implies untangling confusion or a mess
- complicate
to make a problem harder to deal with
文法句型
resolve + something (problem/dispute/conflict/question)
resolve + wh-clause
用法筆記
Takes a problem, dispute, or difficulty as an object. Common collocations include resolve a conflict, resolve a dispute, resolve an issue, and resolve a crisis.
常見錯誤
2. to decide firmly that you will do something, especially after giving it serious
to decide firmly that you will do something, especially after giving it serious thought
After seeing the documentary, Anya resolved to reduce her plastic waste.
resolve + to-infinitive (personal commitment)
The board resolved that the company would invest in renewable energy.
resolve + that-clause (formal decision)
Dewi resolved to learn one new word every day for the whole year.
It was then that Nila resolved to study harder and apply for medical school.
The committee resolved that no member would speak to the press without permission.
- determine
slightly more formal; often used in writing ('determine to do')
- make up one's mind
less formal, used in everyday conversation
- decide
more general; 'resolve' implies stronger commitment
文法句型
resolve + to-infinitive
resolve + that-clause
用法筆記
Often followed by a to-infinitive clause for personal commitments ('resolve to do'), or a that-clause for group decisions. When used of a group or institution, it suggests a formal vote or resolution. This sense is distinct from verb sense 1 (SOLVE), where the object is a problem — here the object is a future action or decision.
常見錯誤
3. when a note or chord in music moves from a tense, unstable sound to a stable, pl
when a note or chord in music moves from a tense, unstable sound to a stable, pleasing one, creating a sense of rest or completion
The final chord resolves beautifully, giving the piece a sense of completion.
music: chord resolves to tonic / into harmony
In classical music, the leading tone often resolves to the tonic note.
resolve to [a musical note]
The composer chose not to resolve the final chord, leaving the audience in suspense.
Aarav played the dissonant chord and waited for it to resolve into harmony.
- come to rest
descriptive, not technical; used in informal music teaching
- conclude
broader; can apply to musical phrases as well
文法句型
chord resolves
note resolves to [tonic]
resolve a chord
用法筆記
Primarily used in discussions of music theory and composition. Can be transitive ('resolve a chord') or intransitive ('the chord resolves'). The opposite is 'dissonance.'
resolve — noun
1. the quality of being firmly determined to achieve something, especially when fac
the quality of being firmly determined to achieve something, especially when facing difficulties or opposition
Lucas showed great resolve in continuing his training despite the injury.
show / demonstrate resolve
The team's resolve was tested when they lost three games in a row.
collocation: test one's resolve
Maeve's quiet resolve impressed everyone who worked with her.
It takes strong resolve to quit smoking and stay away from cigarettes.
The villagers' resolve to rebuild after the flood never weakened.
- determination
more common in everyday speech; 'resolve' sounds more formal and literary
- willpower
focuses on self-control to resist temptation
- firmness
emphasizes not being easily swayed by others
- weakness
lack of firmness or willpower
- indecision
inability to make or stick to a choice
文法句型
someone's resolve
resolve to do something
用法筆記
Uncountable — you cannot say 'a resolve' when you mean determination. 'Resolve' in this sense is a quality, not a countable decision. Contrast with noun sense 2 (FORMAL DECISION), where 'a resolve' means a specific voted decision.
常見錯誤
2. a formal decision that is made by a group of people after a vote, typically in a
a formal decision that is made by a group of people after a vote, typically in a meeting, council, or legislative body
The committee passed a resolve to allocate more funds to the health department.
pass a resolve (formal vote)
The board of directors approved a resolve to expand operations into Southeast Asia.
A formal resolve was adopted by the assembly after three hours of debate.
Diego voted against the resolve to increase membership fees.
- resolution
far more common in modern English for formal decisions; 'resolve' sounds older or more official
- motion
a proposal put forward in a meeting, not yet voted on
- decree
an official order issued by an authority, not a group vote
文法句型
pass a resolve
approve a resolve
a resolve to do something
用法筆記
Countable — you can say 'a resolve' or 'resolves' (plural). This sense overlaps with 'resolution,' but 'resolution' is far more common in modern English. 'Resolve' in this sense is used mainly in formal political or legal writing.