Resolve

Definition of Resolve

Re`solve´   Pronunciation: r?`z?lv´
v. t.1.To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; - said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve.
[imp. & p. p. Resolved (-z?lvd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Resolving.]
O, that this too too solid flesh would melt,
Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew!
- Shak.
Ye immortal souls, who once were men,
And now resolved to elements again.
- Dryden.
2.To reduce to simple or intelligible notions; - said of complex ideas or obscure questions; to make clear or certain; to free from doubt; to disentangle; to unravel; to explain; hence, to clear up, or dispel, as doubt; as, to resolve a riddle.
To the resolving whereof we must first know that the Jews were commanded to divorce an unbelieving Gentile.
- Milton.
3.To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.
Sir, be resolved. I must and will come.
- Beau. & Fl.
Resolve me, Reason, which of these is worse,
Want with a full, or with an empty purse?
- Pope.
In health, good air, pleasure, riches, I am resolved it can not be equaled by any region.
- Sir W. Raleigh.
We must be resolved how the law can be pure and perspicuous, and yet throw a polluted skirt over these Eleusinian mysteries.
- Milton.
4.To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event.
5.To express, as an opinion or determination, by resolution and vote; to declare or decide by a formal vote; - followed by a clause; as, the house resolved (or, it was resolved by the house) that no money should be apropriated (or, to appropriate no money).
6.To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; - used only reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.
7.(Math.) To solve, as a problem, by enumerating the several things to be done, in order to obtain what is required; to find the answer to, or the result of.
8.(Med.) To dispere or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumor.
9.(Mus.) To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several tendencies, resulting in a concord.
10.To relax; to lay at ease.
To resolve a nebula
(Astron.) See Resolution of a nebula, under Resolution.
v. i.1.To be separated into its component parts or distinct principles; to undergo resolution.
2.To melt; to dissolve; to become fluid.
When the blood stagnates in any part, it first coagulates, then resolves, and turns alkaline.
- Arbuthhnot.
3.To be settled in opinion; to be convinced.
Let men resolve of that as they plaease.
- Locke.
4.To form a purpose; to make a decision; especially, to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life.
n.1.The act of resolving or making clear; resolution; solution.
2.That which has been resolved on or determined; decisive conclusion; fixed purpose; determination; also, legal or official determination; a legislative declaration; a resolution.
Nor is your firm resolve unknown.
- Shak.
Cæsar's approach has summoned us together,
And Rome attends her fate from our resolves.
- Addison.

Related Words

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Resolution of a nebula
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-Resolve-
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