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Definition of resolve verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

resolve

verb
 
/rɪˈzɒlv/
 
/rɪˈzɑːlv/
(formal)
Verb Forms
present simple I / you / we / they resolve
 
/rɪˈzɒlv/
 
/rɪˈzɑːlv/
he / she / it resolves
 
/rɪˈzɒlvz/
 
/rɪˈzɑːlvz/
past simple resolved
 
/rɪˈzɒlvd/
 
/rɪˈzɑːlvd/
past participle resolved
 
/rɪˈzɒlvd/
 
/rɪˈzɑːlvd/
-ing form resolving
 
/rɪˈzɒlvɪŋ/
 
/rɪˈzɑːlvɪŋ/
Phrasal Verbs
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  1. [transitive] to find an acceptable solution to a problem or difficulty synonym settle
    • resolve something to resolve an issue/a dispute/a conflict/a crisis
    • Attempts are being made to resolve the problem of security in schools.
    • Both sides met in order to try to resolve their differences.
    • We hope to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
    • Everything is being done to resolve the situation.
    • The dispute has not been fully resolved.
    • resolve itself Be patient and the situation may resolve itself.
    Extra Examples
    • The crisis was finally resolved through high-level negotiations.
    • The family feuding could resolve itself.
    • The matter is not yet fully resolved.
    • The two countries have failed to resolve their differences on this.
    • They met in a last-ditch attempt to resolve their differences.
    • We hope that the dispute can be resolved peacefully.
    • Fortunately, the issue has now been amicably resolved.
    • The UN was supposed to be a forum for resolving disputes by peaceful means.
    • The matter has never really been satisfactorily resolved.
    • The prime minister flew home immediately to try to resolve the crisis.
    • Where can ordinary people get help with resolving family problems?
    Topics Discussion and agreementb2
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb
    • completely
    • fully
    • partially
    verb + resolve
    • attempt to
    • take steps to
    • try to
    preposition
    • by
    • through
    phrases
    • an attempt to resolve something
    • an effort to resolve something
    • a means of resolving something
    See full entry
  2. [transitive, intransitive] to make a definite decision to do something
    • resolve to do something He resolved not to tell her the truth.
    • He resolved to do something to help the children he had met.
    • resolve (that)… She resolved that she would never see him again.
    • resolve on doing something We had resolved on making an early start.
    Topics Preferences and decisionsc2
  3. [transitive] (of a committee, meeting, etc.) to reach a decision by means of a formal vote
    • it is resolved that… It was resolved that the matter be referred to a higher authority.
    • resolve that… They resolved that the matter be referred to a higher authority.
    • The committee unanimously resolved that the party chairman should step down.
    • resolve to do something The Supreme Council resolved to resume control over the national press.
    • resolve on something The board of directors has called a meeting to resolve on the merger.
    Topics Preferences and decisionsc2
  4. Word Originlate Middle English (in the senses ‘dissolve, disintegrate’ and ‘solve (a problem)’): from Latin resolvere, from re- (expressing intensive force) + solvere ‘loosen’.
See resolve in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee resolve in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
previously
adverb
 
 
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B1
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