resolve

re•solve

[[t]rɪˈzɒlv[/t]] v. -solved, -solv•ing, n.

1) cvb to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine

2) to separate into constituent or elementary parts; break up (usu. fol. by into)

3) to reduce or convert by, or as if by, breaking up (usu. fol. by to or into)

4) to convert or transform by any process (often used reflexively)

5) to reduce by mental analysis (often fol. by into)

6) to settle, determine, or state formally in a vote or resolution, as of a deliberative assembly

7) cvb to deal with (a question, controversy, etc.) conclusively; settle

8) to clear away or dispel (doubts, fears, etc.); answer

9) cvb to bring about the resolution of (the plot elements of a play, novel, or other literary work)

10) mad to cause (a voice part or the harmony as a whole) to progress from a dissonance to a consonance

11) chem. to separate (a racemic mixture) into optically active components

12) opt to separate and make visible the individual parts of (an image); distinguish between

13) med to cause (swellings, inflammation, etc.) to disappear without suppuration

14) to come to a determination; make up one's mind (often fol. by on or upon)

15) to break up or disintegrate

16) to be reduced or changed by breaking up, analysis, or the like (usu. fol. by to or into)

17) mad to progress from a dissonance to a consonance

18) a resolution or determination made, as to follow some course of action

19) firmness of purpose or intent; determination

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Etymology: 1325–75; ME (v.) < L resolvere to unfasten, loosen, release =re- re-+solvere to loosen; cf. solve re•solv′a•ble, adj. re•solv′er, n. syn: See decide