resolve

resolve [ri zälv′, rizôlv′]

vt.

resolved, resolving [ME resolven < L resolvere: see RE- & SOLVE]

1. to break up into separate, constituent elements or parts; analyze

2. to change or transform: used reflexively [a discussion that resolved itself into an argument]

3. to cause (a person) to decide [the flood that resolved him to sell]

4. to reach as a decision or intention; determine [to resolve to go]

5.

a) to find the solution or an answer to (a problem); solve

b) to make a decision about [to resolve the points at issue]

c) to explain or make clear; show the resolution of (a problem, a fictional plot, etc.)

d) to remove or dispel (doubt, etc.)

6. to decide by vote; make a formal decision about; express by resolution, as an assembly does

7. Obs. to cause to dissolve or melt

8. Chem. to separate (an optically inactive compound or mixture) into its optically active components

9. Med. to cause (a swelling, fever, etc.) to subside or disappear

10. Music to cause (a chord or tone) to undergo resolution

11. Physics to make distinguishable the individual parts of (an image, radar echo, etc.)

vi.

1. to be resolved, as by analysis

2. to come to a decision; make a resolution; determine

3. Music to undergo resolution

n.

1. fixed purpose or intention; firm determination

2. a formal resolution, as of an assembly

SYN.- DECIDE

resolver

n.