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Meaning & use

resolution

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˌrezəˈluːʃn/
US/ˌrezəˈluːʃn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A firm decision to do or not to do something.

    Grammar: Often followed by to and a verb: a resolution to exercise more.

    Patterns

    • a resolution to do something
    • make a resolution

    Her New Year's resolution was to read one book a month.

    He made a resolution never to forget his friends again.

    The group kept its resolution to meet every week.

  2. noununcountable

    The solving or settling of a problem, dispute, or difficulty.

    Grammar: Often followed by of: the resolution of the strike.

    Patterns

    • the resolution of something
    • resolution to something

    Both sides hope for a quick resolution of the dispute.

    The resolution to the problem turned out to be a simple software update.

    Mediators helped reach a peaceful resolution.

  3. nouncountableformal

    A formal statement of opinion or decision agreed on by a group by vote.

    Grammar: Used with pass or adopt: pass a resolution.

    Patterns

    • a resolution on something
    • pass a resolution

    The council passed a resolution banning cars from the square.

    The union voted for a resolution supporting the strike.

    The UN adopted a resolution on food aid.

  4. nouncountable or uncountabletechnical

    The degree of detail that an image or screen can show.

    Grammar: Used in computing and photography: a high-resolution screen.

    Patterns

    • high resolution

    The photo is too low in resolution to print as a poster.

    The new monitor has a much higher resolution.

    Scientists use a microscope with very high resolution.

  5. nouncountable or uncountable

    The part of a story where the main conflict is settled and tension ends.

    Grammar: Literary term used of plots.

    Patterns

    • the resolution of a story

    Many readers found the novel's resolution unsatisfying.

    The play's resolution comes when the two families make peace.

    The film builds to a quick resolution.

Word forms

pluralresolutions

Common combinations

New Year's resolution
She broke her New Year's resolution by February.
pass a resolution
The board passed a resolution to cut costs.
peaceful resolution
Leaders hope for a peaceful resolution.
high resolution
The video is available in high resolution.
conflict resolution
The school offers lessons in conflict resolution.
firm resolution
He spoke with firm resolution.

Synonyms and how they differ

determination
Determination describes a lasting quality of character, while a resolution is a single decision.
settlement
Settlement is an agreement ending a dispute and often involves money or terms, whereas resolution is a broader solution.
decision
A decision is any choice, whereas a resolution is a firm and often formal one.
solution
A solution answers a problem, while resolution emphasizes the settling of it.

Opposites

indecision

Word family

resolve verb
to settle or to decide firmly
resolute adjective
firm and determined
resolutely adverb
in a determined way
irresolute adjective
unable to decide

Commonly confused: resolution or revolution?

resolution vs revolution

Revolution means a sudden major change or an overthrow of a government, and it is easily mistaken for resolution.

Practice

The board voted to pass a ___ condemning the new law.

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