Definition

1. Noun:
   • A firm decision to do or not to do something: A formal expression of intent or determination.
   • The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter: The act of finding an answer or settlement.
   • The quality of being determined or resolute: Firmness of purpose.
   • The degree of detail visible in a visual image or sound: The measure of the sharpness or clarity of an image or the fineness of detail in a digital signal.
   • (Formal) A formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting: An official statement of a decision or opinion.
   • (Music) The progression of a dissonant chord to a consonant one: The satisfactory conclusion of a musical phrase.
   • (Chemistry/Physics) The process of reducing or separating something into its components: The act of analyzing or breaking down.

Usage and Examples

• As a firm decision:
  • She made a New Year's resolution to exercise more.
  • His resolution to quit smoking was admirable.
• As the act of solving something:
  • The resolution of the conflict required skilled diplomacy.
  • We are seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
• As determination:
  • She faced the challenge with great resolution.
  • His resolution never wavered, even in the face of failure.
• As a measure of detail (technology):
  • This monitor has a high resolution of 4K.
  • The image lacks clarity due to its low resolution.
• As a formal statement by a group:
  • The council passed a resolution condemning the act.
  • The UN Security Council adopted the resolution unanimously.

Advanced Usage

• "A man/woman of resolution": A person characterized by firm determination.
  • He was known as a man of great resolution and principle.
• "Come to a resolution": To reach a decision or settlement.
  • The committee finally came to a resolution after hours of debate.
• "With resolution": In a determined manner.
  • She answered the question with quiet resolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Resolve (verb/noun): To decide firmly; firm determination.
  • He resolved to tell the truth. / She showed great resolve.
• Resolute (adjective): Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
  • She was resolute in her refusal.
• Resoluteness (noun): The quality of being resolute.
  • His resoluteness inspired the team.

Synonyms

• Determination: Firmness of purpose.
• Decision: A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration.
• Settlement: An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute.
• Clarity: The quality of being clear, in particular (related to image/sound detail).

Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Resolution" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs. Related actions use "resolve.") - Resolve into: To separate or be separated into component parts. - The mist resolved into distinct shapes as the sun rose. - Resolve on/upon: To decide on a course of action. - They resolved upon a plan of attack.

Related Idioms

• "Test of resolution": A situation that challenges one's determination.
  • The final marathon miles were a true test of his resolution.
• "A matter of resolution": An issue that depends on or requires determination to solve.
  • Overcoming this obstacle is simply a matter of resolution.

Noun

1. a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner
   • he always wrote down his New Year's resolutions
2. a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
   • they were trying to find a peaceful solution
   • the answers were in the back of the book
   • he computed the result to four decimal places
3. (music) a dissonant chord is followed by a consonant chord
4. the subsidence of swelling or other signs of inflammation (especially in a lung)
5. (computer science) the number of pixels per square inch on a computer-generated display; the greater the resolution, the better the picture
6. analysis into clear-cut components
7. something settled or resolved; the outcome of decision making
   • they finally reached a settlement with the union
   • they never did achieve a final resolution of their differences
   • he needed to grieve before he could achieve a sense of closure
8. finding a solution to a problem
9. the trait of being resolute
   • his resoluteness carried him through the battle
   • it was his unshakeable resolution to finish the work
10. the ability of a microscope or telescope to measure the angular separation of images that are close together
11. a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote