English

resolution

gb/ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/ us/ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/
B1 English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Noun B1 state
1

Firm decision or determination

A strong choice to do something or not do it.

Usage pattern: make [a resolution] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'resolution' with 'solution'. A resolution is a decision, while a solution is an answer to a problem.
Synonyms
determination (Emphasizes strong willpower and persistence rather than the act of deciding.) | commitment (Focuses on the obligation or promise aspect rather than the initial decision.)
Antonyms
indecision (Lack of making a firm choice or direction.)
Collocations
make a resolution |keep a resolution |New Year's resolution |break a resolution
Themes
goals |self-improvement |daily life |core_vocabulary |daily_life
Examples
  • She made a resolution to exercise three times a week.
  • His resolution to quit smoking lasted for six months.
  • At the start of the year, many people set personal resolutions.
Learner examples
  • I made a resolution to read more books.
  • My resolution is to eat less sugar.
  • He has a resolution to study every day.
Noun B2 action
2

Act of solving something

The act of finding an answer or ending a problem or fight.

Usage pattern: reach [a resolution] to [a problem/dispute]
Common mistake:
Learners might use 'resolution' instead of 'solution' in everyday problem contexts; 'resolution' often implies formality or disputes.
Synonyms
settlement (Often used in legal or formal contexts for resolving disputes.) | solution (More general term for the answer to any problem.)
Antonyms
stalemate (A situation where no progress toward solving a problem can be made.)
Collocations
peaceful resolution |conflict resolution |reach a resolution
Themes
conflict |problem-solving |law |core_vocabulary |work
Examples
  • The two sides reached a resolution after hours of negotiations.
  • Conflict resolution is an important skill in the workplace.
  • We are still looking for a resolution to this issue.
Learner examples
  • They reached a resolution after talking.
  • We need a resolution to this problem.
  • The teacher helped the students find a resolution.
Noun technical B1 property
3

Level of image detail

How clear and detailed an image or screen looks, usually measured in pixels.

Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'resolution' with 'solution' in tech contexts; here it refers to image quality, not problem-solving.
Synonyms
definition (In photography and imaging, refers to clarity and detail level.)
Antonyms
blurriness (Lack of sharpness or detail in an image.)
Collocations
high resolution |screen resolution |image resolution
Themes
technology |photography |science
Examples
  • This camera offers high resolution for professional photography.
  • The TV has a 4K resolution.
  • Low resolution images look pixelated when enlarged.
Learner examples
  • My phone has high screen resolution.
  • This photo is low resolution.
  • The computer screen has good resolution.
Noun formal B2 entity
4

Official group decision or statement

An official decision or statement made by a group after voting.

Synonyms
declaration (A formal statement, sometimes without binding force.)
Antonyms
proposal (A suggestion put forward before any decision is made.)
Collocations
pass a resolution |adopt a resolution |UN resolution
Themes
politics |law |business
Examples
  • The council passed a resolution to increase funding for schools.
  • The UN adopted a resolution condemning the attack.
  • A new resolution was introduced in parliament yesterday.
Learner examples
  • The city passed a resolution to build a park.
  • The group voted on a new resolution.
  • The UN made a resolution about climate change.
Noun C1 property
5

Measurement or instrument precision level

How small a detail or change a machine can measure or see.

Synonyms
precision (General term for accuracy in measurement.)
Antonyms
coarseness (Lack of fine detail in measurement or display.)
Collocations
spectral resolution |temporal resolution
Themes
science |technology
Examples
  • The microscope has a high spatial resolution.
  • Improving the sensor's temporal resolution will help detect faster events.
  • The radar system offers fine resolution for tracking objects.
Learner examples
  • The camera has fine resolution.
  • The tool has high measurement resolution.
  • This machine can see very small details.
Grammar
Dictionary form
resolution
IPA
GB/ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/
US/ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/
Syllables & stress
res - ol - u - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (u)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: resolution
  • Plural: resolution, resolutions
Word family
Forms
resolutions noun
Core family
resolve verb B1
Related words
solve verb A2 solution noun A2 resolute adjective B2 resolutely adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
unresolved adjective B2 irresolute adjective
Advanced or less common
resoluteness noun irresolution noun resolvable adjective
Expressions

conflict resolution

1
/kˈɑnflɪkt ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase

Solving disagreements peacefully

The process of ending arguments or fights between people in a peaceful way.

Examples
  • Good conflict resolution skills are important in management.
  • The workshop teaches conflict resolution techniques.

New Year's resolution

1
/njˈu jˈɪɹz ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase

Decision for self-improvement at year's start

A promise you make to yourself at the start of the year to do something better or stop doing something bad.

Examples
  • My New Year's resolution is to eat healthier.
  • She broke her New Year's resolution by February.

pass a resolution

1
/pˈæs ə ɹˌɛzəlˈuʃən/
fixed phrase formal

Officially approve by vote

To vote and agree on an official statement or decision in a group or government.

Examples
  • The committee passed a resolution on climate policy.
  • They passed a resolution to change the bylaws.

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