Definition of: resolve

(ri·zolv′) v. ·solved, ·solv·ing v.t.
1. To decide; determine (to do something).
2. To cause to decide or determine.
3. To separate or break down into constituent parts; analyze.
4. To make clear; explain or solve, as a problem.
5. To explain away; remove (doubts, etc.).
6. To state or decide by vote, as in a legislative assembly.
7. To transform; convert: He resolves his anger into pride.
8. Music To change, as a chord, from dissonance to consonance; cause to undergo resolution.
9. Chem. To separate (a racemic compound) into its optically active components.
10. Optics To make distinguishable the structure or parts of.
11. Med. To cause to disperse or be absorbed without the formation of pus.
12. Obs. To melt; dissolve.
13. Obs. To inform.
—v.i.
14. To make up one's mind; arrive at a decision: with on or upon.
15. To become separated into constituent parts.
16. Music To undergo resolution.
—noun
1. Fixity of purpose; resolution.
2. A fixed determination; a resolution.
3. The action of a deliberative body expressing formally its intention or purpose. See synonyms under DETERMINATION, PURPOSE. [<L resolvere loosen again, relax <re- again + solvere loosen]
—re·solv′er noun