What does resolution mean?
Resolution most commonly means firm determination: the ability or willingness to continue pursuing a goal despite obstacles. In this sense, it is often approving and suggests strength of purpose rather than merely a decision to act. Resolution also refers to the process or result of settling a dispute, as in the resolution of a conflict, and to a formal decision adopted by a group, especially a legislative body. In technical contexts, it describes the detail, sharpness, or precision with which something is represented, as in a high-resolution image or the resolution of a display. The word is useful because it connects internal determination with the practical outcome of confronting and settling a problem. Its history also reflects this range: it developed from an idea of untying or unravelling, and that process came to include both solving difficulties and reaching a settled decision.
nounA firm determination to do something or to overcome a difficulty. It can also mean the act of settling a dispute or problem, a formal statement of opinion, or the level of detail with which an image, sound, or display is represented.
- Firm determination to do something or overcome a difficulty.
- The act or result of settling a dispute, problem, or uncertainty.
- A formal proposal or statement of opinion adopted by an organization or legislative body.
- The degree of detail or sharpness with which an image, sound, or display is represented.
"She showed remarkable resolution in continuing her studies despite the difficulties."
"The committee reached a resolution after several hours of debate."
"The photograph's high resolution revealed details that were invisible in the earlier image."
Plural forms refer to multiple decisions, determinations, formal proposals, or levels of detail.
"The members adopted several resolutions at the annual meeting."
From the Latin for "unloosen," resolution originally meant the process of dissolving a knot, before it came to mean unravelling problems and making firm decisions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resolution come from?
Resolution comes through Old French from Latin resolutio, a noun formed from resolvere, meaning "to unbind, untie, or dissolve." The original sense was the act of loosening or resolving something, which developed into the settling of questions or disputes. Its modern sense of determined purpose also derives from the idea of being resolved or firmly decided.
Related word forms
How resolution is actually used
In the sense of determination, resolution is often approving and conveys steadiness, perseverance, or strength of purpose. In computing and image technology, it describes the level of detail or precision available. The political or organizational sense is generally formal.
Easily confused with resolution
A resolution is a decision, outcome, or determination, whereas a resolve is more specifically the determination to pursue a course of action.