resolve
gb/ɹizˈɑlv/ us/ɹizˈɑlv/
B1
English
~ 2300
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Find a solution to a problem
To find an answer or fix for a problem or situation.
Usage pattern:
to resolve [a problem/issue/dispute]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'resolve' with 'solve' — 'resolve' is often used for conflicts or official matters, while 'solve' is common for questions and puzzles.
Synonyms
settle (Often used when talking about ending arguments or disputes.)
|
solve (Focuses more on finding the correct answer or method for a problem.)
Antonyms
complicate (Means to make something more difficult instead of fixing it.)
|
prolong (Means to make a problem or conflict last longer.)
Collocations
resolve a conflict
|resolve an issue
|resolve a dispute
|resolve differences
Themes
daily life
|business
|conflict
|education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They worked all night to resolve the technical issues.
- The two sides met to resolve their differences.
- Customer service quickly resolved my complaint.
- We need to resolve this misunderstanding before it gets worse.
Learner examples
- We must resolve this problem soon.
- He resolved the fight between his friends.
- She resolved the computer error.
- They resolved the question in the meeting.
Verb
B2
action
2
Decide firmly to act
To decide that you will definitely do something.
Usage pattern:
to resolve to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'resolve doing' instead of the correct 'resolve to do'.
Synonyms
determine (Emphasizes firmness and strength of purpose.)
|
commit (Implies dedicating oneself to a course of action.)
Antonyms
hesitate (Means to be uncertain or unwilling to decide.)
|
waver (Means to change your mind or be unsure about a decision.)
Collocations
resolve to change
|resolve to improve
|resolve never to
Themes
personal development
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She resolved to start exercising every morning.
- He resolved never to lie again.
- I resolved to learn another language this year.
Learner examples
- I resolve to read every day.
- She resolved to eat healthy food.
- He resolved to save money.
- They resolved not to fight anymore.
Noun
B2
state
3
Strong determination
A strong feeling that you will do something even if it is hard.
Synonyms
determination (Very close in meaning; general term for mental firmness.)
|
willpower (Focuses on self-control and resisting temptation.)
Antonyms
indecision (The state of not being able to choose what to do.)
|
weakness (Lack of mental or emotional strength.)
Collocations
show resolve
|demonstrate resolve
|strengthen resolve
Themes
personal development
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her resolve was tested during the long negotiations.
- They showed great resolve in overcoming the crisis.
- His resolve never wavered despite the challenges.
Learner examples
- She showed resolve in finishing school.
- They had the resolve to win.
- His resolve helped him pass the test.
- We need resolve to reach our goal.
Verb
technical
C1
action
4
Separate into components (science)
To separate something into smaller parts or change its form, usually in science.
Synonyms
decompose (Common in chemistry and biology for breaking down substances.)
|
separate (General term for dividing into parts.)
Collocations
resolve a compound
|resolve into parts
Themes
science
|technology
Examples
- The prism resolved the light into its component colors.
- The mixture can be resolved by filtration.
- The image resolves into individual pixels when magnified.
Learner examples
- The light was resolved into colors.
- A prism can resolve light.
- The picture resolves into small dots.
- Scientists resolved the mixture into two parts.
Grammar
Dictionary form
resolve
IPA
GB/ɹizˈɑlv/
US/ɹizˈɑlv/
Syllables & stress
re - solve (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (solve)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: resolve
- 3rd Person Singular: resolves
- Present Participle: resolving
- Past: resolved
Word family
Forms
resolves
verb
resolving
verb
resolved
verb
Core family
resolution
noun B1
Related words
resolvable
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unresolved
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
resolute
adjective B2
resolutely
adverb B2
Expressions
resolve itself into something
1/ɹizˈɑlv ɪtsˈɛlf ˈɪntu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
End up as something specific
To finally be understood as or turn into something specific after time or thinking.
Examples
- The argument eventually resolved itself into a debate about funding.
- The mystery resolved itself into a simple misunderstanding.
with one’s resolve strengthened
1/wˈɪθ wˈʌnz ɹizˈɑlv stɹˈɛŋθənd/
fixed phrase
Having stronger determination than before
Feeling more sure about doing something than before.
Examples
- With her resolve strengthened, she faced the challenge ahead.
- He left the meeting with his resolve strengthened to pursue the project.