re|solv´er

re|solve «rih ZOLV», verb, -solved, -solv|ing, noun.

–v.t.

1. to make up one's mind; determine; decide: »

He resolved to do better work in the future. Richard resolved to reform (Newsweek).

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under decide. (Cf. ↑decide)

2. to decide by vote; adopt or pass a resolution: »

It was resolved that our schooave a lunchroom.

3. to clear away; dispel: »

The letter resolved all our doubts.

4. to clear up; answer and explain; solve: »

The conviction…neither solves the mystery of Rémon's death nor resolves Panama's political problems (Newsweek).

5. to break into parts; break up: »

Some chemical compounds can be resolved by heat.

6. to change: »

The assembly resolved itself into a committee. Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim thy growth, to be resolved to earth again (William Cullen Bryant).

7. to produce separate images of; make distinguishable, as by optical instruments or radar: »

to resolve a cluster of stars with a high-powered telescope.

8. Music. to cause (a voice part or harmony) to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.

9. Medicine. to cause (inflammation) to disappear without the formation of pus.

–v.i.

1. to come to a decision; decide (on): »

consultations…in which much was proposed, but nothing resolved on (Scott).

2. to break into parts: »

This chemical resolves when distilled at a high temperature.

3. Music. to progress from a dissonance to a consonance.

–n.

1. a thing determined on: »

He kept his resolve to do better.

2. firmness in carrying out a purpose; determination: »

George Washington was a man of great resolve.

╂[< Latin resolvere < re- back + solvere loosen]

–re|solv´er, noun.