Basic Details
Word: Resolve
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To settle a problem or disagreement; also to decide firmly to do something.
Synonyms: settle, solve, decide, determine
Word origin: From Latin resolvere, to loosen or untie.
How to Spell Resolve
Syllables: re - solve
Tricky part: The word solve sits inside it, ending in lve. The s sounds like a z, which is why students sometimes write rezolve, and the e at the end is easy to forget.
Watch out for: rezolve, resolv, ressolve
Memory tip: To resolve a problem you solve it: re + solve.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The two friends talked for an hour to resolve their quarrel.
Example 2: I resolve to read one book every week this year.
Example 3: The new timetable should resolve the clash between the two classes.
Fun Fact
Resolution, from resolve, also means how clearly fine details can be told apart, which is why a phone screen's resolution is given as a number of pixels.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word resolve as used in the sentence:
The two sections met in the hall to resolve the argument over the shared football.
a) worsen
b) settle
c) start
d) ignore
Show answer
b) settle. To settle an argument is to bring it to an end, which is what the meeting was for.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
ressolve
a) v
b) o
c) s
d) l
Show answer
c) s. Only one s: re-solve, the same as in solve.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. revolv 2. disolve 3. evollve 4. resolve
a) to turn round a centre
b) to develop slowly over time
c) to settle a problem
d) to mix into a liquid and disappear
Show answer
c) to settle a problem. Dissolve needs two s's, revolve its final e, and evolve only one l; resolve is spelt correctly.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A New Year resolution is ____.
a) a type of cake
b) a party game
c) a promise to yourself
d) a holiday card
Show answer
c) a promise to yourself
2. If you resolve to wake up early, you ____.
a) pretend to
b) forget to
c) firmly decide to
d) refuse to
Show answer
c) firmly decide to
