Meaning of Word:
Resolve generally refers to making a firm decision or determination to do something. It can also mean finding a solution to a problem, or bringing a disagreement or issue to a conclusion. The term is used in various contexts, including decision-making, problem-solving, and resolving conflicts.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- As a verb:
- To make a firm decision about something (e.g., “I resolve to improve my health”).
- To find a solution to a problem or issue (e.g., “We need to resolve the conflict”).
- To break something down into simpler parts or clarify something (e.g., “The committee resolved the confusion”).
- To bring a dispute or disagreement to an end (e.g., “The matter was resolved peacefully”).
- As a noun:
- A firm determination or decision (e.g., “She made a resolution to study more”).
- The act of solving or bringing closure to an issue (e.g., “The resolution of the problem was quick”).
History and Origin:
The word “resolve” comes from the Latin resolvere, meaning “to loosen, undo, or solve.” It entered Middle English in the 14th century and has maintained its meaning of deciding, solving, or settling something over time.
Detailed Explanation:
- Decision-Making: To resolve something often implies making a firm decision, such as in “She resolved to leave her job.”
- Problem Solving: In many situations, resolving means addressing and finding solutions to challenges or conflicts, whether interpersonal or technical. For example, resolving a mathematical equation or resolving an issue between friends.
- Conflict Resolution: To resolve a conflict means to settle a dispute by reaching an agreement or finding a compromise. This is often used in diplomatic, business, or personal contexts.
- In Formal Contexts: “Resolve” can refer to actions taken to end an unresolved situation, such as resolving an issue in a meeting or resolving customer complaints in a company.
Example Sentences:
- He had to resolve the dispute between his two friends.
- After hours of discussion, they finally resolved the issue with the project.
- I resolved to exercise every morning in order to stay healthy.
- The team worked hard to resolve the technical glitch during the presentation.
- The board met to resolve the financial concerns raised in the meeting.
- She could not resolve the disagreement between the two parties.
- The company hired experts to resolve the legal issues they were facing.
- The conflict was resolved after both sides agreed on a compromise.
- The counselor helped us resolve our communication problems.
Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Decide: To make a choice after consideration, often used similarly to “resolve.”
- Solve: To find an answer or solution to a problem, typically a more specific way of resolving an issue.
- Settle: To bring a matter to an end, especially after some negotiation or decision.
- Fix: To repair or make right, resolving an issue or problem.
- Determine: To decide firmly on an outcome, often linked to resolving a situation through a clear decision.
Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Resolution: A firm decision or a formal expression of determination.
- Conclude: To bring a matter to an end, similar to resolving an issue.
- Agreement: A mutual decision or resolution between parties to settle a matter.
- Reconcile: To resolve differences and restore friendly relations.
- Clarify: To make something clear, which can help resolve confusion or misunderstanding.
More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Mediation: The process of resolving a dispute through a neutral third party.
- Conciliation: The action of bringing together conflicting parties and helping to resolve their differences.
- Arbitration: A method of resolving disputes by having a third party make a decision.
- Solution: A means of resolving a problem or challenge.
- Settling: To conclude or resolve something, often used in legal or financial contexts.
Antonyms:
- Escalate: To make a situation worse, opposite of resolving it.
- Aggravate: To intensify or make a problem more severe, opposite of resolving.
- Prolong: To extend the duration of something, especially a conflict or issue, without resolving it.
- Complicate: To make something more difficult to resolve.
- Postpone: To delay resolving an issue or matter.
