What does resoluteness mean?
Resoluteness means firm determination and the strength to remain committed to a purpose despite obstacles. The word is especially associated with courage, steadiness, and moral character, as in a story of a leader's resoluteness during a crisis. It is more than simply making a decision: resoluteness describes the enduring quality that allows someone to carry a decision through when circumstances become difficult. Although the word can apply to individuals, it is also used more broadly for groups, institutions, and actions that show purposeful firmness. In ordinary conversation, determination or firmness may sound more natural, while resoluteness has a somewhat formal, literary tone. Its value as a vocabulary word lies in distinguishing steady commitment from indecision, obstinacy, or a temporary burst of enthusiasm.
nounThe quality of being firmly determined or unwilling to change one's purpose or course of action. Resoluteness implies steadiness, courage, and a strong sense of purpose.
- Firm determination to pursue a purpose or remain committed to a course of action.
"Her resoluteness in the face of repeated setbacks earned the admiration of the entire team."
"The young officer showed remarkable resoluteness during the storm."
"It was the captain's resoluteness that prevented the ship from being abandoned."
The plural is grammatically possible but rare; resoluteness is normally used as an uncountable abstract noun.
"The biographies emphasize the resolutenesses of the leaders they portray."
Resoluteness is the quiet force that keeps a promise, holds a course, or meets danger without turning away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of resoluteness
Resoluteness was formed in the 17th century from resolute, meaning firm or determined, together with the suffix -ness. Resolute comes from Latin resolutus, the past participle of resolvere, a verb meaning to untie, dissolve, or resolve. The same Latin root underlies English words such as resolve and resolution.
Related word forms
How resoluteness is actually used
Resoluteness is generally formal and commendatory. It is often used of people who continue acting firmly despite danger, difficulty, or uncertainty.
Easily confused with resoluteness
Resoluteness is a person's quality of determination, whereas resolution is the determination itself or a formal decision.
Resolve can refer to firm determination, but it is also a noun meaning a decision or a formal statement of intention.