decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.
she decided to sell her house
determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.
determined the cause of the problem
settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.
the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy
rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.
the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible
resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.
he resolved to quit smoking
Example Sentences
Verb The brothers finally resolved their conflict. The issue of the book's authorship was never resolved. His speech did nothing to resolve doubts about the company's future. They haven't been able to resolve their differences. She resolved to quit smoking. He resolved that he would start dating again. The committee resolved to override the veto. Noun His comments were intended to weaken her resolve but they only served to strengthen it. a naval pilot who has been unwavering in his resolve to become an astronaut See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
We were tasked with strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship, studying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and coming up with a proposal to resolve it. Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 9 Sep. 2022 For a while, the fact that some of our arguments are likely impossible to resolve frustrated me. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 18 Aug. 2022 This is different from an energy vampire who is persistently complaining about a problem without any plans to resolve it—they’re solely looking for someone to agree with them, Dr. Appleton says. Nandini Maharaj, SELF, 11 Aug. 2022 Prosecutors, defense attorneys and Judge Harry Leinenweber have only a few days to resolve them before trial begins Monday. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2022 Elon Musk has doubled down on his claims that a U.S. recession is inevitable and will last for the next year and a half, but the world’s richest man is starting to see some macroeconomic snags resolve themselves. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2022 Although some credit card merchant agreements require companies to address disputes quickly and resolve them within a month, the reality is that complicated cases can take time. Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 31 July 2022 The research shows that the gender gap is closing in places where electric vehicles took off more quickly, which suggests the problem could resolve itself with time.Wired, 28 July 2022 Emergency workers are on site working to resolve the issue ASAP. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Sep. 2022
Noun
But like everything else hampering the Bruins, that was a worry for another day after UCLA showed its resolve in winning for the sixth consecutive time dating to last season. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2022 At a time when U.S. leadership is hesitant if not flatly wrong, such as in the tragic decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, British resolve is critical to sustain and advance Western interests. John Bolton, WSJ, 6 Sep. 2022 There is a resolve here, and given the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine, that cannot go unnoticed by the US’s adversaries. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 2 Aug. 2022 Her resolve to rise above such negativity is what inspires him to have these conversations with his kids. Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, 4 May 2021 Or maybe, as many expect, the reboot will take significant time with a flood of losses this fall that will test the patience and resolve of Eberflus and his upbeat boss. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2022 Winter will test the resolve of Moscow and its adversaries. Joe Wallace And Anna Hirtenstein, WSJ, 29 Aug. 2022 Blinken’s declaration lands at a challenging moment, as Russia’s protracted war in Ukraine, now in its sixth month, tests the resolve of even Kyiv’s biggest backers. Missy Ryan, Washington Post, 8 Aug. 2022 The initial response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine seemed to belie their perception of Western weakness, but the resolve of the U.S., France and Germany appears to be wilting. Steve Forbes, Forbes, 2 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, from Latin resolvere to unloose, dissolve, from re- + solvere to loosen, release — more at solve