Definitions for the word "resolve" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. i.
To separate the component parts of; to reduce to the constituent elements; -- said of compound substances; hence, sometimes, to melt, or dissolve.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. i.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. i.
To cause to perceive or understand; to acquaint; to inform; to convince; to assure; to make certain.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To determine or decide in purpose; to make ready in mind; to fix; to settle; as, he was resolved by an unexpected event.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
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).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
To change or convert by resolution or formal vote; -- used only reflexively; as, the house resolved itself into a committee of the whole.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To dispere or scatter; to discuss, as an inflammation or a tumor.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To let the tones (as of a discord) follow their several tendencies, resulting in a concord.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. i.
To relax; to lay at ease.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. i.
To be separated into its component parts or distinct principles; to undergo resolution.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. i.
To melt; to dissolve; to become fluid.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. i.
To be settled in opinion; to be convinced.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. i.
To form a purpose; to make a decision; especially, to determine after reflection; as, to resolve on a better course of life.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
The act of resolving or making clear; resolution; solution.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. n.
That which has been resolved on or determined; decisive conclusion; fixed purpose; determination; also, legal or official determination; a legislative declaration; a resolution.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v.
(-ving) 1 make up one''s mind; decide firmly (resolved to leave, on leaving). 2 cause (a person) to do this (events resolved him to leave). 3 solve, explain, or settle (a doubt, argument, etc.). 4 (foll. By that) (of an assembly or meeting) pass a resolution by vote. 5 (often foll. By into) (cause to) separate into constituent parts; analyse. 6 (foll. By into) reduce by mental analysis into. 7 mus. Convert or be converted into concord. n. Firm mental decision or intention; determination. [latin: related to *solve]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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